Vale Life Sept-Oct 2016 Web Edition

Vale Life FREE MAGAZINE

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Sept/Oct 2016

Cover picture: New A/W2016 clothing

by Braintree, available at White Hart Studio, Haddenham See Katy’s Style File Page 8

Free local listings for events and businesses

Inside:

Quacking place

Eclectic mix at indie centre

A to B for XYZ

Music school’s new gig in town

Join the culture club

Books, art and fun at TAL festival Plus Katy, Penny, Heather, Naomi, Polly, Amanda, Janice, Jacqui, Cathy, Charlotte, Tracy, Rob, Alan and much, much more...

w Meal for two at The Chequers Inn w Tickets To Clothes Show Live w Spa Day w w Tickets To Spanish Riding School Of Vienna w AGA shop baking prize w

w w w.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk

Your kitchen, German-made.

If you’re looking for a high quality, good value kitchen with stunning style, come and see our range of beautifully engineered GermanPDGH NLWFKHQV $W 5LGJHZD\ ZH R΍HU D FRPSOHWH VHUYLFH IURP PHDVXUHPHQW DQG GHVLJQ WR ȴWWLQJ DQG ȴQLVKLQJ Ȃ SOXV RXU LQ KRXVH team can do all the interior building work so you get consistency from beginning to end.

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01844 279900 www.ridgewaykitchens.co.uk RIDGEWAY KITCHENS | Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Oxfordshire OX9 2NZ | info@ridgewaykitchens.co.uk YO U R 2

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Eat, Drink & Dine

INVITES YOU TO CHRISTMAS AT THE CROWN Telephone: 01296 670216 E-mail: info@thecrowngranborough.co.uk Web: www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk

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The Crown, Winslow Road, Granborough, Buckinghamshire, MK18 3NP A mile south of Winslow, within 15 minutes of Aylesbury & Buckingham Within 30 minutes of Bicester, Leighton Buzzard and Milton Keynes

A charming village pub, attractively and sympathetically restored and now under new management, offering high quality dining in relaxed and comfortable surroundings, as found at our sister pub The Old Thatched Inn at Adstock

Christmas menu now available - bookings being taken, please phone for details 01296 670216 Pub open seven days - Monday: 5pm-10pm, Tuesday-Friday: 12-3pm & 5-11pm, Saturday: 12-11pm, Sunday: 12-8pm Food served: Tuesday-Saturday: 12-2.30pm & 6-9pm, Sunday: 12-5pm

Tel: 01296 670216 Web: www.thecrowngranborough.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN New Showroom now open: 6 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HN

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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BY CO Stradivarius violin to create a colourful Weymouth and talks the talk! Typically theACH 2017 Bournemouth concert full of surprises. The repertoire The Crown £379 Towers theme night will Fawlty The Trouville £539 ranges from romantic, emotional Scottish Hogmanay start with meeting and greeting ballads to the most gorgeous and Eastbourne Cairn Hotel £459 the guests at reception. Basil celebrated waltzes.

BW York House £549 Monschau will announce dinner as Manuel Experience the magic of André Rieu at Carat Hotel £399guests to dinner in time leads Sudbury a festive and memorable evening and honoured fashion. Sybil is her The Mill £499 come seeHotel why André Rieu is one of the usual self, Manuel will feature December 28th 2016 most popular live acts in the world!

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Some of our holidays are already on our Austrian Warner – Gunton Hall, Suffolk - Top Tribute Party: Take ThatLakes & Bruno Mars (HB) £259 website and don’t Mill Rythe - Hayling Island – Moonlight & Roses (HB) £219 forget the early Amsterdam (BB) £279 booking discount See our website www.crusader-holidays.co.uk Romantic Paris (BB) £279 for more holidays and our selectionoffer! of Continental breaks: Romantic Wokefield Park, Berkshire with Snowdrop Walk (HB)

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6

Day Trips: www.mottsholidays.co.uk

Crusader Holiday Shop, 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1BH 4 Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, HP20 2LD Crusader Holidays, 13 Crusader Business Park, Stephenson Road West, Clacton, Essex, CO15 4HP Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Please see our current brochure for booking conditions and trading charter.

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Great rates Amazing results To advertise in Vale Life Magazine Call Charlie on 07702 006218

Spread the word across The Vale: see: www.vale-life.co.uk for details

8 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 23 24

Feeling mellow!

32

Treehouse

Clothes Show competition

37

Burning desire

Pot for a perfect brew

38

Your handy home office

Time for a stitch up

42

Room for expansion

Quacking place

45

Better safe than sorry

Staying focussed

46

A new season begins

It’s doggy Heaven

49

Nights are drawing in

Something for all

52

Avoiding blue butterflies

New arrival

54

Don’t just meet - be inspired!

Groovy tunes

57

From A to B with XYZ

Vanishing point

58

Save the last dance

Hands on holistic healing

60

Nifty shades of grey

It’s a perfect 10

71

Be a better driver

Katy’s guide to Autumn/Winter fashions Win tickets to the Clothes Show Live at NEC Wedgewood teapots produce ultimate cuppa Join Janice knitting blankets for refugees Duck Farm Court is indie central Need new glasses? You need Top Specs!

Special treats for special pets Small store boasts amazing range Salon offers wigs and extensions Keeping fit with Jazzercise Whitethorn Clinic hits the spot Have you tried Reflexology?

Whitchurch salon is celebrating

Polly’s feeling ‘organic’ Japanese technique creates beautiful cladding How to make that perfect workspace New room or upgrade for old conservatory?

Tracy’s feeling quite alarmed!

Naomi is loving this time of year ‘Lighten up’ says Lucy!

How to keep your business on track Farm Lodge helps creative buzz.

Music school has gig in town Music galore at Waterside Theatre Colour drained from artist’s work Tests assess mature drivers

It’s a Summer festivalfest!

T

here seem to be more and more festivals taking place each year and over the last few months many benefitted from some quite lovely weather.

It’s always a gamble putting on an outdoor event in the UK and it was a real pleasure, this year, to take in some of the local festivals in glorious sunshine for a change!

There were one day events such as Live in The Park and the Proms in the Park at Aylesbury - fabulous free events backed by the town council, which had an excellent turnout and some great acts once

C

ongratulations to the following Aug/Sept edition competition winners! Hopefully your prizes will have arrived by now, please let us know if not. Commiserations to those who weren’t so

again, Bledfest at Bledlow Cricket Club, Oakfest at Oakley School and then weekend events such as Chilfest at Tring, The Beacon Festival near Watlington, Towersey Festival at Thame and the Towersey Fringe in the actual village of Towersey itself, Rewind down at Henley and Penn Festival, which seems to be punching well above its weight these days with a whole host of big name acts. There’s beer festivals with music at Brill and Haddenham and in Tring and Chinnor; a Food Festival (Sept 24th: www.thamefoodfestival.co.uk)

lucky - read on though for more competitions inside this edition, including the chance to win: A meal for two at The Chequers Inn, Weston Turville; Tickets for The Clothes Show Live; An AGA Shop Baking pack; A Whittlebury Hall Spa Day for

and an Art and Literary Festival (Oct 14-16th: www.talfestival. org) coming up in Thame and a beer festival raising funds for Florence Nightingale Hospice in Aylesbury (28th-29th Oct: www. aylesburybeerfestival.org.uk).

We are spoilt for choice really when you think that’s in addition to the county shows and country fairs, events on farms such as Orchard View Farm’s sausage and beerfest and a whole wealth of music and theatre that’s taking place in local pubs, halls and theatres.

We might live out in the sticks

two; Tickets to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna tour at the NEC! Last issue’s prizewinners were: Hape tambourine: James McCann, Aylesbury A copy of Colourless: Kim Stock, Aylesbury

Tickets for the Family Travel Show: Penny Halls, Ilmer; Paul Rich, Tring Tickets to Kinks Musical Sunny Afternoon: Angelique Bull, Haddenham Hape zylophone: Alison Lowndes-Knight, Wendover

Sunshine made for a relaxed atmosphere at Towersey this year

but we’re not doing too badly when it comes to enjoying a bit of culture, or is that having a good time!?

And don’t forget - if you are promoting a local event big or small, you can list it for free on our Vale Life website What’s On Diary!

Happy reading!

Charlie

Editor, Vale Life Magazine Copies of Arthur Archer time traveller books: Steve Barry, Aylesbury Hartwell Spa Indulgence Day: Michelle Pethers, Chinnor A meal for two at The Angel: Kate Parker, Ludgershall

Vale Life Magazine is designed and published by Vale Life Magazine, 23 Glenham Road, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3WD Telephone: 01844 261579 Mobile: 07702 006218 Website: www.vale-life.co.uk Email: editor@vale-life.co.uk Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Vale Life. We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions or late changes. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publishers. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

7

with Katy Dyer

Personal stylist and fashion expert Katy scours our local boutiques and passes on tips and tricks for looking your best, plus the latest news on the high street trends

Feeling mellow...

W

hilst the new Autumn/Winter trends were showcased on the runways months ago, we are only just seeing the new stock drop into stores. With a summer that has been the best we’ve had for quite a few years, it feels like we have wanted to hold on to our warm weather clothes for just a little bit longer.

Autumn will soon be here, but updating for the new season doesn’t have to mean a whole new look or breaking the bank. Understanding what’s new and what’s back will make your new season wardrobe work much harder - and feel great too.

Shearling & Fur This gorgeous texture has been around for three seasons now.

So bring it back out for Autumn 2016. Fluffy or frizzy, sleek or shiny details on coats and jackets for men and women will add an edge to your look. Warm too, cosy fur will definitely add a romantic and dramatic touch to your outfit whether you choose a coat in full shearling or a neat fur collar with sheen.

Atheleisure This trends continues. And it’s little touches - all out sports kit is not what it’s all about for work or socialising (whilst obviously perfect for the gym!). Think about teaming coloured sneakers with a soft jacket and jeans or a bit of sparkle or slogan on a sweatshirt for daytime.

Slogans are still around (typically in French, mais oui!) so again if this is something you have in your wardrobe it will still look great right now. Lighter bomber jackets

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Women’s Athleisure River Island

Wallis Top £65 Trousers £40 Stole £25

M&S Indigo Wine Quilted Bomber £55

are also a good look (and many in womenswear with print or texture) - the perfect transition piece to take you through to the cooler months.

Check it out Lots and lots of check, plaid and tartan in women’s and menswear for Autumn. Think rich texture

Office Lavender Silver Boots £85

Office Pinball Silver Tassel Shoes £50

and muted tones rather than statement colour. Take care if you have a curvy or rounded bodyshape, perhaps choose this pattern in accessories - bags, a scarf or even simply in a pocket (or even pocket square) detailing.

Texturise Velvet, brocade, leather and lace.

All are featuring in store right now - and again, it’s not an all over look

M&S Collection Clutch Bag £29.50

River Island Denim jacket & boho dress

M&S Bag £35 Limited Edition Skirt £45 Limited Edition Jumper £35 but trims, patches and pockets of tactile fabrics taking a garment from ordinary to extraordinary. T-shirts, jackets and even leggings with interesting texture that will take your outfit up a notch.

everyone, but purple makes a brilliant accent shade against a backdrop of charcoal grey, stone or silver. For a more vibrant colour combination team purple with teal or deep yellow for a creative style statement.

Florence Hemp Dress by Braintree White Hart Studio

Autumn Leaf It seems that as the season turns, so arrive the ubiquitous autumnal shades of rich chocolate, amber, forest green and moss – in nature and in fashion. These certainly add richness and colour with the cooler days. Again with these shades,

new trend would be the perfect alternative.

M&S Per Una Dress £49.50 M&S Collection Bag £32.50 Floral Dance Rich florals are causing quite a stir in everything from boots to coats and long, wide dresses. This could be quite an overwhelming look,skirt Black top/red New Look particularly if you are more petite, so accessories which represent this

Neck & neck Unusual necklines and collar designs are a real feature of the new season. From floppy bows to froufrou frills blouses with collarways to flatter will be adorning necklines everywhere.

Silver & Amber Necklace: Oval cabochon Amber, with undulating frame: Hester Clarke £180

most are best suited as accents or pattern details unless you have a particularly creative side to your personal style.

Whilst most would agree that it’s who you are and not what you wear that counts, your clothes and accessories have a really big role to play in giving others a clue about who you are – so why not think of your clothes as costumes. Who do you want to be today? It’s a really interesting way to get dressed! l Katy Dyer is a style coach and corporate image consultant and Next Men’s suiting works with people of all ages, stages and backgrounds to help them present themselves at their very best. Because when you look good, you feel good. Find out more at www.katydyer.com or simply call 01844 872025.

Purple Reign This Autumn sees a big resurgence of purple – from the palest lavender to the deepest damson. Top to toe it’s not for

Katy is holding Autumn ’16 Style Sessions this September & October.

For your invitation contact: katy@ katydyer.com or call: 01844 872025

Silver & Blue John Brooch Oval shaped Derbyshire Blue John in rubbed over setting Hester Clarke: £120

Gertrude Organic Cotton Top by Braintree - Cut on the bias with scoop neck (Navy, Lichen or Stone) White Hart Studio

Helen Grace Beautifully hand crafted stylish hats and fascinators for all occasions To buy or hire

Hester Clarke

Come and try on our wonderful

Independent Family Jewellers since 1892

in the privacy of our studio in Shabbington

Goldsmiths House 10-14 Cambridge Street Aylesbury Bucks HP20 1RS

Simply call for an appointment on

Fine Jewellers

www.hesterclarke.co.uk

01296 482963

hats and fascinators

01844 201017

www.helengracehats.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Take a trip to Haddenham and visit White Hart Studio, where you will find beautiful jewellery and gifts, imaginative cards, unique and interesting furniture, eyecatching homeware, stylish clothing and more...

White Hart Studio, 15 Churchway, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, H P17 8AB Tel: 01844 292308 Open Tue-Sat: 10am-5pm & Sun: 11am-4pm www.whitehartstudio.com 10

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Win tickets to Clothes Show Live!

T

he Clothes Show in association with Alcatel returns to the NEC Birmingham from 2nd-6th December 2016 with a new, exciting line-up of fashion, beauty, live music and industry experts.

Whether you’re looking to update your AW16 wardrobe, discover fresh new music, find inspiration to kick start a career in fashion or meet industry experts, prepare to immerse yourself in Britain’s largest fashion and beauty festival, where you’ll find all of this and more.

Renowned for discovering talent across its 27 year history, The Clothes Show is recognising and celebrating the talent of young people within the music industry.

2016 will see the launch of The Clothes Show Discovers - a search to find a male and female artiste who will become the headline acts in the iconic Alcatel Fashion Theatre, in association with Capital FM. Take a seat to watch the newly named catwalk show, Rock the Runway, which will bring together a fashionmeets-music performance with over 40 models and dancers alongside the newly discovered music acts, in what is set to be the most breath-taking

show yet.

Trend presentations from high street favourites, compiled by ITV’s fashion presenter, Mark Heyes, will offer an insight into AW16 must haves, plus a host of well-known faces will appear in the theatre each day. TV’s brightest rising star, Laura Jackson, will kick-start the first day on Friday 2nd Dec, and presenter and fashion icon Laura Whitmore will present ‘Rock The Runway’ in the Alcatel Fashion Theatre on Sunday 4th! TV favourite, Jamie

Laing will return on Monday 5th and Tuesday 6th Dec, plus you can catch Joey Essex doing exclusive giveaways in the Alcatel Fashion Theatre and appear in the Paparazzi Pen on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Shop for clothes and accessories from high street brands and your favourite designer labels in the Boutique Boulevard and at the Designer Outlet and find a host of Hair & Beauty brands too.

If you’d like to be in with the

chance of winning a pair of tickets to the show simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk How many years has The Clothes Show been going?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 30th, 2016.

T&CS: The Clothes Show tickets are standard tickets only and valid for the first and last Fashion Theatre show only

l www.clothesshow.com

From a Cricket Bat...

...to a treasured photograph

Image Style Colour Corporate

Wardrobe Review Personal Shopping Group Consultations & Workshops

01844 872 025 katy@katydyer.com www.katydyer.com

Delphine Art

Come to for all your framing needs

We also have a selection of beautiful giftware at very reasonable prices 27 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215980 40 Cambridge Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1RS Tel: 01296 428061 Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

11

l

Column: Nicky Gregory‘Curious World’

Top pot for perfect brew T he SYP, or Simple Yet Perfect, teapot was the brainchild of Sir Douglas Baillie Hamilton Cochrane, the 12th Earl of Dundonald. His first design was patented in 1901, and the second and ‘improved’ teapot came four months later - this version was the one manufactured

by Wedgwood’s Etruria factory between 1905 and 1919.

A horizontal, perforated ledge separates the dry tea from the hot water. When the teapot is tilted backwards it rests on two short legs at the back and on the curved handle, allowing the hot water to pass through the perforations onto the tea leaves.

After the required brewing time the pot is set down on its base and the tea poured through the conventional spout.

The separation of the used tea leaves from the prepared tea prevents it from becoming ‘stewed’.

The examples made by

Wedgewood ‘Peony’ Teapot

Wedgewood ‘Oaklands’ Teapot Wedgwood are the most numerous and made in plain creamware, or enhanced by the addition of blueprinted patterns such as ‘Peony’ or ‘Oaklands’.

Our Aug/Sept mystery object was

A Dateline ANTIQUES CENTRE Est. 1987 A QUALITY ANTIQUES CENTRE offering town and country antiques in a Tudor, brick and timber house, with wall paintings and inglenook fireplaces.

Park in the Courtyard at the rear, where you will find Garden Antiques, a Tea Shop, the Barn Courtyard Shops and an Artist’s Studio.

We are open every day from 10am to 5.30pm, Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 5pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

A 17th Century Bible Box £180 The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Website: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk Vale Life : Sep/Oct 2016

Curious world

Email your answers along with your name, address and contact telephone number to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Winner to be notified by email.

ANTIQUES AT… WENDOVER

12

Nicky Gregory

a Marlin Spike or Fid for unpicking ships’ ropes and knots!

Can you guess what this one, right, is? The prize for the winner chosen from correct answers is a £10 Gift Voucher for Antiques at Wendover.

l Nicky Gregory is the owner of Antiques@Wendover, The Old Post Office, 25 High Street, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6DU Tel: 01296 625335 Email: antiques@antiquesatwendover.co.uk Web: www.antiquesatwendover.co.uk

October Mystery object

l

Column: Janice Issitt ‘Making the most of it’

Time for a stitch up!

C

alling all you happy hookers out there! Fancy whipping up some blankets for a good cause? Then read on.

It never fails to amaze me that a small stick with a hook on the end and a piece of yarn can be looped and woven in so many creative and inventive ways and made to create three dimensional pieces. If you have ever fancied learning then just a few hours of watching videos can get you on your way.

If you can get to grips with just two stitches, a treble and a chain then you can even make a blanket for the 60 Million Trebles charity project where crochet blankets are made for refugees.

A treble is the name of a stitch in crochet and as there will be 60 Million refugees worldwide this year, the ladies who started this marathon idea decided that each stitch could represent a person, while at the same time creating the world’s biggest blanket.

They need everyone capable to crochet a 36 inch square blanket and these will be dropped into

Janice Issitt

Wendy Johnson

Making the most of it

the many collection points around the country, so please think about joining with us and breaking a record at the same time.

I’ve had a refresher in what a treble stitch is having been taught as a child by mum and nan, way back in the 70s! It didn’t take long, and I was off, and so far I’ve completed three blankets.

The project is big and they need thousands of people to join. The closing date will be next summer and then the blankets will be joined for the record breaking attempt in

London.

I am using up all my odds and ends stash, which is actually pretty large, so I hope to make many blankets. Perhaps you can mention this to your local crochet group, or even learn finally for yourself by checking out tutorials on You Tube.

Simply search for ‘crochet treble stitch’ and ‘granny squares’.

For technical information and, further down the line, drop off points for your blankets, there is a facebook group, but in the mean time perhaps you can just get

together with some friends, learn to make crochet squares and start on some 36 inch blankets.

I will be trying to organise a small get together myself, so watch out on my Facebook and Instagram pages for information.

My blog has been shortlisted for an #IBA16 award again this year, please vote for me by clicking on this link: www.interiorblogawards. com/vote/janice-issitt-life-style/, it only takes a few minutes and I would really appreciate your support for my blogging endeavours. l Read Janice’s blog at: http:// janiceissittlifestyle.blogspot.co.uk where she posts photo tutorials about things to make and lovely pictures of life in the Vale.

Sale on SALE Now NOW ON until 15 Oct 2016 Home & Gifts & Gifts Spend: Spend: £50.00 £50.00 save save 10% 10% online code: hch10% online code: hch10% £100.00 save 15% £100.00 save 15% online code: hch 15% online code: hch15% £150.00 save 20% 20% £150.00 save online code: hch20% online code: hch20%

Holy Cow Home Holy Cow Home 6 Cambridge Street Street 6 Cambridge Aylesbury Aylesbury Buckinghamshire Buckinghamshire HP20 HP20 1RS 1RS

01296 485158 01296 485158

www.holycowhome.co.uk www.holycowhome.co.uk Handmade || Fairtrade Fairtrade || Unique Handmade Unique

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Duck Farm Court

Vale Life : Nov / Dec 2011

Built on the site of an Aylesbury duck farm, Duck Farm Court must be the town’s most attractive retail park. The 24 units, originally built by a local removals firm for storage, resemble barns set around a central courtyard and house a unique range of independent retail, service and lifestyle businesses...

I

t is easy to miss Duck Farm Court despite the fact it is only a few hundred yards from Market Square. Those that drive down Station Way to Morrisons will pass the entrance but most town centre shoppers are focused on the other side of Friarage Road.

Refurbished in 2006 Duck Farm Court has a slightly vintage look and feel, in keeping with its heritage being on the site of one of the original 18th century Aylesbury Duck Farms, thought to have been more recently run by Ducky Weston and his sons. The buildings look pleasingly rustic with large barn doors allowing plenty of daylight and there is free parking in the central courtyard.

Duck Farm Court offers a unique and vibrant shopping experience being home to the largest collection of independent retailers in Aylesbury.

Many of the businesses don’t rely on passing trade, selling via the internet or offering specialist services: there’s Addvance Business Solutions - Specialists in space planning and the design and fitting of office interiors (01296

Duck Farm Court 393372, www.addvance.co.uk); Aylesbury Bicycle Repairs (01296 395562, www.aylesburybikerepairs. co.uk); Aylesbury Tiling and Bathroom Centre (0800 699 0065, www.aylesburytilingcentre.co.uk); Balloonmania Party Shop (01296 486000, www.balloonmania.co.uk); Charles Huntington Carpets & Flooring (01296 337181, www.charleshuntington.co.uk); FSA International Air Conditioning (01296 436101, www.fsaint.co.uk);

Indigo Scooters (01296 435551, www.indigoscooters.co.uk); LMS Printing - Large Format Print & Copy Shop (01296 420409, www.lmsprinting.co.uk), Physio Assured - Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in musculoskeletal injuries (0800 0931 899, www.physioassured.com); Pole Attack - Pole fitness studio (07799 424381, www.pole-attack. co.uk); Sky High Kites (01296 481113, www.skyhighkites.co.uk); Sew Claire Dancewear (01296

706418, www.sewclaire.co.uk); Saffron Hair & Beauty (01296 338344, www.saffronhair.uk); Top Specs spectacles and lenses (Tel: 01296 484222, www.top-specs. co.uk); Mcgrumpy & Snuffles dog supplies (01296 426102, www.mcgrumpyandsnuffles.co.uk); Wentworth estate agents (01296 426999, www.wentworthaylesbury. co.uk); and Yankee Aroma Direct - Yankee Candle stockist (01296 330152, www.yankeearomadirect.co.uk)

Sew Claire Dancewear & Accessories

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l Fishing Supplies l Air Guns Walking Footwear/Clothing l Football Club Supplies l Badminton/Squash Rackets & Accessories l Same day Racket Stringing

Unit 9a, Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ T: 01296 486613 E: jakemansports@btconnect.com W: www.jakemansports.co.uk 14

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Ballet & Tap Uniforms Jazz Shoes Gymnastic Leotards Approved Pointe Shoe Specialist Bags & Accessories Find us on Facebook or pop in to: 25 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 706418 Email: sewclaire@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.sewclaire.co.uk

Duck Farm Court

Staying focussed

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your prescription away to someone like us. op Specs, on the upper level at Duck Farm Court, is not, as one “Frames are mass produced but lenses will be made for the individual, to suit their sight might assume from the name and and the frames they have chosen. the pairs of glasses on display, an “Bring us the results of your sight test, optician, but a manufacturer of glasses. (prescription) and we’ll make new lenses to The service, run by Brian Cammack and wife Nikki, moved to fit your existing frames, or you can choose new frames Duck Farm Court from and we’ll make sure they fit a workshop in Wendover properly and have the right nearly nine years ago, with lenses correctly installed. the aim of developing the “Styles do change. Frames retail side of the business.

At Duck Farm Court got very small a few years ago but are slightly bigger they have a comfortable Nikki checks the optical centres again now and there’s lots of reception/retail area where of a new pair of lenses different styles available. Some glasses can be chosen and are rimless and you hardly notice them, while fitted and behind it a workshop where lenses others make more of a statement with wide are cut to size and fitted to frames. sides in bold colours or label branding.

“We don’t do sight tests,” says Brian, “but “We offer the highest standards of quality because we are not paying high street rents and service but at very reasonable prices. We and don’t employ an optometrist, we can have a good range of frames, around 300, supply very competitively priced glasses. from budget ones at £19.99 up to designer “We machine the lenses to fit your brands for £170 and can order other makes frames here, so it should take less time for in, if a customer has a specific model in mind. a prescription to be processed and glasses “Lenses are supplied ground to a client’s supplied. Most high street opticians will send

Printing & Copying Services for individuals & companies

Brian Cammack prescription and we then cut them to fit the frames and finish and fit them by hand.”

Brian lives in Aylesbury but is originally from Norfolk. He came to the area when an opportunity arose to set up a glazing laboratory servicing the local optical industry.

“I enjoy the work,” he says. “It’s very satisfying making a really good pair of glasses.

You can buy glasses off the internet, but without trying them on and having them properly fitted, the chances of them feeling comfortable and giving the best vision are not good. It’s much better to find a frame you like and have them fitted for you personally.” l Top Specs, Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 484222 Email: enquiries@top-specs.co.uk Website: www.top-specs.co.uk

New client offer: 10% off services booked during October when you mention Vale Life Mag!

Colour Photocopying l Canvas Printing l Scanning Colour Poster Printing l Personalised Invitations l Laminating l Comb Binding l Booklet Printing l Leaflets/Flyers l Large Format Colour or B&W Printing l

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

Tel: 01296 420409

              

Unit 2/3 Duck Farm Court, Station Way West, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ Email: lisa@lmsprinting.co.uk Web: www.lmsprinting.co.uk

You’ll find great prices & unrivalled service at our trade & retail Tile & Bathroom centre 

Travertine, Terracotta, Limestone, Marble, Porcelain, Ceramic & more  



Unit 16, Duck Farm Court, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ  Tel: 01296 434513 or 0800 699 0065   Email: mail@aylesburytilingcentre.co.uk   Web: www.aylesburytilingcentre.co.uk

Where dreams become reality Supply | Installation | Aftercare

New hair & beauty salon now open!

Saffron Burton is an experienced and creative stylist and colourist.

Her new salon offers a full range of cutting, colouring and styling services including hair-up for weddings and proms plus beauty treatments including: Eve Taylor facials, waxing, eyebrow and lash tinting, lash extensions and nail treatments.

Open Tue/Wed/Fri: 9am-6pm, Thur: 10am-8pm, Sat: 8.30am-2pm Saffron Hairdressing, Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ T: 01296 338 344 E: info@saffronhair.uk W: www.saffronhair.uk Facebook: /saffronhair.uk Vale Life : Aug/Sept 2016

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Duck Farm Court

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Named after a rescue cat called Hamish Half-tail McGrumpy and rescue hamster, Humphrey Snuffles, Aylesbury’s new pet supplies store, McGrumpy & Snuffles, is now open, but mostly for dogs...

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aty Martin and Andrew Osman became interested in animal food some ten years ago, when they took on their rescue cat Hamish Half-tail McGrumpy. He had been badly abused and had a damaged jaw, so was unable to eat normal cat food.

“I started making food for Hamish,” says Katy “and then other people wanted some for their pets too. At that stage we couldn’t make and sell it ourselves, so we found a company that could do it for us, and started a small business supplying friends and then the public at local markets and eventually at Kennel Club shows. I’ve studied animal nutrition with the Kennel Club and through online courses and apply the knowledge in selecting our foods and treats.

“The business has naturally grown and we’ve become specialists in supplying dog food and accessories and in 2014 we were nominated for a ‘Pawscar’ (UK Dog Show Industry Award) for Best Trade Stand.

“We still do lots of show stands but we now also have a website, where customers can order products online and we have our first store at Duck Farm Court in Aylesbury!

“We’ve expanded our range over the years to include toys and accessories plus specialist items for gundogs and show dogs. Our products are chosen with care to reflect value for money and durability and many items are recommended by vets and behaviourists. We are happy to offer advice to assist with your purchase. We are raw feeding specialists and advocates for species-appropriate nutrition for dogs and cats - our meat treats are all UK or EU produced.”

McGrumpy & Snuffles’ new store is in one of Duck Farm Court’s larger units and boasts plenty of space for negotiating the displays with a dog in tow, plus a comfortable library area, where you can relax and peruse a small but growing collection of books on raw feeding, dog health and so on - and copies of

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Katy Martin Vale Life Magazine!

There’s also a first floor consulting room where they are hosting a monthly holistic vet clinic (starts end of October - book your appointment asap) and a monthly ‘Raw & Jaw’ get together, for raw feeders and pet owners to meet and exchange ideas. A canine ultrasound scanner service will be visiting to check on doggy pregnancies, and a Galen therapist specialising in therapeutic dog massage is also scheduled, plus on the last Thursday of every month, Tony from Keen Kutz will offer a Sharpening Service for dog grooming scissors. There’s also a fundraising event coming up - a MacMillan Coffee Morning on Friday 30th September with cake for dogs and owners!

On the food side brands include raw food by The Dog’s Butcher, The Animal Nutrition Company, Cotswold Raw Company and Poppy’s Picnic: “We look for a two-way relationship with our suppliers,” says Katy, “as we want our customers to be able to give feedback and pass comments for the manufacturer to take on board.

“Most of our treats are natural and

produced by small manufacturers but we also stock brands like Meatlove, Tribal and Innocent Hound amongst others.”

In addition there’s some great toys on offer - indestructible ones with lifetime guarantees for the chewiest dogs and fab eco-collars in bright colours, made from recycled water bottles, again with a lifetime guarantee.

There’s specialist products for showdogs and gundogs, plus an extensive range of post surgical items, including Suitical recovery suits - to protect stitches and wounds and a selection of natural, holistic and homeopathic remedies for a wide range of conditions.

“We do a little bit for cats but we are mostly focussed on dogs,” says Katy. “We’re open to sourcing specific products for customers, so if we don’t stock what you need already, just ask, we are very approachable!” l Mcgrumpy and Snuffles, Unit 8, Duck Farm Court, Station Way West, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 426102 E: katy@mcgrumpyandsnuffles.co.uk W: www.mcgrumpyandsnuffles.co.uk Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm (earlier or later by appointment).

Duck Farm Court

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2015

Six years ago David Castellano set up Charles Huntington Flooring. The company has a stylish showroom at Aylesbury’s Duck Farm Court and is impressing customers not only with the exciting selection of flooring on display, but also with David’s exceptional skills as a carpet layer...

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avid Castellano, owner of Charles Huntington Flooring has been in the carpet business for 29 years and in that time has laid pretty well every type of flooring going. He has not lost his enthusiasm yet though. Amid the stunning range of beautifully displayed carpet, sisal, seagrass, coir, jute, wood, vinyl and synthetic flooring in his Duck Farm Court showroom, he delights in showing me unusually textured carpet samples and is extremely excited at a new range of imposing designer stripes!

“We stock a varied selection,” says David.

“We can supply pretty well anything a customer might request but we also like to inspire with designer carpets and flooring that are a little different and which you don’t find at larger suppliers. We offer a wide range of standard styles - something for all tastes and budgets - but we’ve made an effort to source some interesting alternatives. I’ve got carpets here from great value budget weaves to tufted silk at over £200 a square metre!”

When he left school David took an apprenticeship with a local carpet firm, learnt the ropes and gradually became a skilled fitter.

He worked for firms in Amersham, Hazlemere and Chesham, often abroad, laying all sorts of complicated patterns in hotels and commercial premises, as well as in private homes: “I’ve been to Belgium and Albania, all over really,” he says, “laying huge conference rooms and bedrooms at top

David Castellano hotels, and at all sorts of private homes, big and small, it was pretty varied.

“The highlight of my career was probably laying the carpet at the Hindu Temple in Neasden,” he laughs. “It nearly killed me!

It was a huge job, very complicated with numerous panels of carpet to be matched up. It looked stunning when it was finished though.”

David set up on his own in 2001 as a flooring contractor and continued to work at home and abroad in homes and hotels and for a variety of companies including John Lewis.

In 2010 he set up Charles Huntington Flooring: “I now supply and advise on carpet and floorings,” says David, “but I still enjoy going out and personally ensuring the job is laid down correctly. If I am supplying carpet that costs several hundred pounds a metre I want to be sure it is fitted perfectly! ‘A carpet’s only as good as the person who fitted it’ they say in the trade!”

Fashions change in flooring as with anything else and David has been enjoying the trend for stair runners and striped carpet. “We are experienced in templating stair runners with turns and half landings,” he says. “We offer a variety of finishes: binding tape, blind stitching, or whipping - we’ve also a good selection of stair rods and stair clips.

“We stock quite a range of makes: Cormar, Victoria Carpets, Weston Hammer,

Alternative Flooring (including Liberty Fabrics), Jacaranda, Crucial Trading, Roger Oates, Karndean... something for all pockets and tastes. We do a good range of sisal as well - Crucial Trading have a great selection.

It gives you a nice crisp clean look, it’s a bit different. We can make rugs with it too.

Sometimes a customer will have wood in the hall and then we’ll make a sisal rug with bound edges to go on top. We can make rugs with any carpet and to any size, all neatly finished with stitched edging.

“Our website will give you an idea of what we do. I’m always happy to visit customers at home, if they prefer, but it’s best to come in and have a browse around the showroom - so you can feel the samples! Bring your paint swatches down and have a look around. We can have a coffee and explore the possibilities.” l Charles Huntington Flooring, 23 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ. Tel: 01296 337181 Mob: 07767 370067 Email: info@charleshuntington.co.uk Web: www.charleshuntington.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-4pm.

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Duck Farm Court

New arrival

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mily Hartwell launched New Aura in 2006 at premises on Kingsbury Square and with her friendly professional approach, a relaxing atmosphere and great client care the salon soon developed an excellent reputation.

She has recently relocated to new premises at Duck Farm Court, where the quieter location is a more discreet environment for client consultations and services.

“I like it at Duck Farm Court,” says Emily. “It’s slightly out of the way here, there’s parking right outside and the unit we are in was a blank canvas for me to fit out and decorate, so it’s now ideal for our purposes.

“We provide professional hairdressing for all types of hair and we specialise in relaxing for Afro hair, permanent straightening, perms and keratin treatments, plus wigs and extensions - including

Emily Hartwell in her new New Aura salon at Duck Farm Court open mesh which enables even larger areas to be covered.

“The hair weave is then linked with a weaving technique to the existing hair.

“It’s a bespoke service for which the type and colour of hair is individually selected and woven.”

Natural hair being woven into a mesh at New Aura

mesh weaves, braids, microbonding and micro-ring extensions.

“Our aim is to ensure that each client is completely satisfied when they leave the salon “We are experienced in providing hair extensions, hair pieces and wigs for clients with conditions such as alopecia, trichotillomania, post-chemotherapy hair loss and all

other forms of hair loss.

“Our hair integration system can disguise all types of hair loss problems. Natural hair is carefully chosen to match the client’s own colour and texture. This is then woven and supported by a fine

l New Aura, 10 Duck Farm Court, Station Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 2SQ Tel: 01296 425115 Email: new.aura@btinternet.com Website: www.newaura.co.uk Open: Wed & Fri 10.30am-4.30pm Thur 11.30am-7.30pm, Tue & Sat by appointment only

Win a Spa Day for Two at Whittlebury Hall

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elax, de-stress and experience the ultimate in pampering! The awardwinning Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, set in rural Northamptonshire, near Silverstone, is offering Vale Life Magazine readers the chance to win a Spa Day for Two* including a delicious twocourse buffet lunch and the chance to take full advantage of the spa’s unique Heat and Ice Experiences, which provide body sensations brought about by dramatic changes in temperature, and use of The Day Spa and Leisure Club facilities.

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Whittlebury Hall’s award-winning The Day Spa facilities include a Sanarium®, Caldarium Hot Room, Aromatherapy Crystal Steam Room, an Ice Cave, Roman Salt Steam, Experience Showers, Foot Spas and a Hydrotherapy Pool.

Should you wish to splash out on some additional treatments while you are there, The Day Spa also offers the ultimate in pampering with treatments from the houses of Elemis, ESPA and Jessica - a fabulous selection of beauty and relaxation treatments delivered by Whittlebury Hall’s team of specialist therapists

who are dedicated to your every need.

There’s facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, wraps, spa bathing rituals, ear candles... perhaps check out the Whittlebury Hall website in advance, so there’s plenty of time to make your mind up and book any additional treatments in advance.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a Spa Day for two at Whittlebury Hall, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Which famous motor racing

track is near to Whittlebury Hall?

Winner to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 30th, 2016. l Whittlebury, Nr Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH T: 0845 400 0003 E: sales@whittleburyhall.co.uk W: www.whittleburyhall.co.uk *T&Cs: This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. Available Sunday-Thursday only, subject to availability, Guest must be 18 years or over. Competition not open to employees of Whittlebury Hall and their family members. Accommodation based on 2 people sharing a standard room. Prize to be booked and taken by 22th December. £60 single supplement applies.

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Contact Adams Travel | Call 01296 873017 | e-Mail aylesbury.adamstravel@gmail.com *Book by midnight on 04 Oct 2016 for travel up to 20 Dec 2017. Discount varies depending on resort, room type booked and date of travel: between 20-50%. Min stay 5 nights. Discount is off accommodation portion only. Up to £700 air credit available at selected resorts, room categories and travel dates valued between £150 and £700 per booking. Min stay 6 nights. Discount is valid on package bookings only. ^Book by midnight on 04 Oct 2016 for travel up to 20 Dec 2017. Extra £125 off is per booking, when travelling in July or August 2017. Min stay 7 nights. Discount is valid on package bookings only. Promo code: BIG125. Not combinable with any other promo code offer. Terms and conditions and blackout dates apply.

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Column: Fitness Focus with Janey Enticott

Health & Fitness

Groovy tunes dance you fit!

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aney Enticott has been instructing Jazzercise for 7 years and loves it even more now than when she started as a customer 15 years ago. She comes from a dance background having trained in ballet and contemporary dance at the prestigious Trinity Laban, but don’t worry, no dance experience is needed to participate!

“People sometimes have preconceived ideas about what Jazzercise is,” says Janey. “They think it’s all jazz music and not the hard-hitting, fun workout that we actually offer. Each one hour session combines aerobic work and strength training. We have different formats that focus on Kickboxing, Core, HiiT, Strength and an Express 30 minute class on Saturdays with Lucy. The music is always fresh and routines change regularly so you never get bored.

I think what I like best is the huge variety of people who attend.

The friendships that we see and

Charlotte Schuman

Janey Enticott Jazzercise the non-judgemental support everyone gives is really special.

The great thing is that the work out can be made to suit the individual, so instructors show low impact modifications for those who might want to take out the jumping, whilst still getting a really thorough class. To ensure safety we wear a microphone to teach and face the class, so we can give technique tips and make sure everyone is working to the best of their ability. We even have children’s classes at some local schools and special classes for teenagers, which can be used as the

physical part of Duke of Edinburgh awards. The youngest I have taught is 4, the oldest 106!“ Jazzercise is one of the world’s leading Dance Fitness companies, with 8,300 franchisees teaching 32,000 classes per week in 32 countries around the world.

Instructors train every year to master the Jazzercise method.

With constantly changing moves, new beats, a variety of workouts and calorie crushing intensity, customers can feel results after 3 classes and expect to stick with it. Founded in the States in 1969,

Jazzercise has continually evolved to remain a market leader in group fitness.

Janey recently took over the business for this area and is planning on expansion. There are two new instructors, Sarah and Nina, currently going through the rigorous training process (it takes about 6 months), in order to add to the class schedule in Thame, Longwick, Chinnor, Haddenham and Waddesdon. The first class is free to Vale Life Readers, so why not go and give it a try!? l For more information contact

Janey on: 07739 186231 E: janey.jazzercise@gmail.com facebook: /JazzerciseBucksandOxon W: www.jazzercise.co.uk

Thai Orchid Massage and Spa www.thaiorchidmassageaylesbury.co.uk

Traditional Thai Massage, Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy Body Massage, foot massage, herbal hot compress, back, head & neck massage 1 hour Aromatherapy Massage £40 1 hour Swedish Full Body Massage £40 1 hour Traditional Thai Massage £45

Reflexions Health & Leisure Centre

Buckingham Road, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 0FY

Tel: 01296 330311 Mobile: 07587 172659 gotty@thaiorchidmassageaylesbury.co.uk

EAR WAX REMOVAL If you are troubled by excessive ear wax causing discomfort or loss of hearing, CV Health Aural Care Service can offer you a very effective treatment at its Haddenham Medical Centre.

Micro-suction is the most up-to-date procedure for removing obstructions in the ear and compared to syringing, it is safer, quicker, better tolerated and more effective.

What does it cost?

CV Health offers a competitively priced service at £80.

Call now 01494 412525 Monday to Friday (9 am to 5 pm) or email for an appointment: c.v.health@nhs.net 2 20

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

ANTONIA BARNES MCFHP MAFHP FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

II CAN CAN TREAT TREATCorns, Corns,calluses, calluses,cracked crackedheels, heels, nail problems, thickened nails and can treat nail problems, thickened nails and can treat people who have diabetes. people who have diabetes.

II CAN CAN OFFER OFFERVisits Visitsininthe thecomfort comfort of of your your own home, a warm attitude, generalroom, foot care own home or atcaring my Thame treatment including regular nail cutting and filing and a a warm caring attitude, general foot care foot massage at the end of your treatment. including regular nail cutting and filing and a foot massage at the end of your treatment.

TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE TO ARRANGE A VISIT OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES INFORMATION CONTACT ANTONIA BARNES 01844 261766 or 07795 01844 261766 or 07795 692464 692464 www.feetforlifethame.com www.feetforlifethame.com

Helping to keep your feet in a healthy condition Based in Thame, I am also a fully qualified massage therapist offering holistic massage and reflexology REGISTERED MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONERS

Suffering with Anxiety, Feeling Sad & Unhappy, Relationship problems Caring, empathetic & confidential ? help is available.

Hypnotherapy can & has helped many many people with these types of issues.

Angie Elbourn Reg Hyp. MNRAH. CNHC (CNHC are the only registering body for Hypnotherapy that is recognised by the Dept of Health)

www.hypnohelp.co (just co no uk) 077756 77796

Angie.hypnohelp@hotmail.co.uk

@angieelbourn

Amanda Trott

l Column

Health & Beauty

Minor procedures such as the removal of skin tags are not available under the National Health Service as they are seen as cosmetic surgery and not affecting your physical or mental health. But what if you do want to get rid of your blemish though...

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s we age, skin tags, milia, thread veins and age spots may appear on our face or body which are unsightly and can cause us to feel self conscious. Unfortunately nowadays such blemishes are no longer treated under the NHS, so is there anything that can be done to remove them?

Whitethorn Fields MediClinic specialise in many types of minor cosmetic surgery and are able to help anyone who has concerns over an unsightly blemish or unattractive veins. Set up by Micropigmentation Specialist Caron Vetter and Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Sudip Ghosh the clinic is situated in a pleasant and discreet, semi-rural location near Stoke Mandeville and has built a reputation for high quality care and the use of cutting edge technology.

After a small bite-like lump appeared on my leg a few months ago and had been there for several weeks, I took a trip to my GP to check it was nothing sinister.

She explained that small lumps can appear and are often nothing to worry about. Eager to get rid of my new addition, I spoke to Caron at Whitethorn Fields who advised I book an appointment with their Beauty Therapist and Aesthetic Specialist, Debbie Green.

Debbie has been working within Advanced Aesthetics for over 8 years and specialises in Laser Hair Removal and CACI Non-Surgical Facelift, but also treats the removal of thread veins, skin tags and warts.

She recommended a treatment called Veinwave, which is often used to treat thread and spider veins but works equally as well on skin tags and similar blemishes.

Skin tags, which can often also be found on the face and neck, can be removed easily, leaving virtually no trace. Veinwave works by creating

Beauty Spot

Freezing the age spot with a Cryopen Inset below: close up of age spot.

Debbie uses a fine needle to target the blemish with microwaves Inset below: close up of blemish.

an inflammatory reaction using Micro Thermocoagulation - a process which sends high frequency microwaves into the area from a fine needle. It only enters the skin by a tiny fraction but it is enough to heat the blemish and destroy it.

The treatment only takes a matter of minutes and once completed carries no down time. Although the Veinwave stung a little it was only mildly uncomfortable. Later the area became slightly red but nothing more. Debbie explained that over the next few weeks the lump should begin to shrink back and hopefully completely disappear. She suggested having Cryotherapy at a later date if there was still some discolouration to the skin.

Cryotherapy is a relatively new treatment to Whitethorn Fields MediClinic and is a fast, effective and safe solution for the removal of skin imperfections and age spots.

It works by emitting a fine high pressured jet of nitrous oxide which destroys the tissues by forming ice crystals that rupture the membrane, thereby destroying the cell and leaving the patient blemish free.

Keen to see how this treatment worked I asked Debbie if she would mind ‘zapping’ a couple of

Amanda Trott

Seborrhoeic warts (age spots, to you and I) which had appeared on my friend’s back. Despite their name, seborrhoeic keratoses are nothing to do with sebaceous glands or viral warts, they are benign growths due to a build up of ordinary skin cells.

There is some suggestion that they are related to exposure to sunlight and in the UK more than half of men and more than a third of women have at least one seborrhoeic wart by the age of 40. They can appear quite quickly, are not infectious and fortunately do not become malignant but nonetheless can be unsightly.

After sterilising the area Debbie

held the Cryopen close to the area and quickly froze the blemish, she then let it thaw for a few seconds before freezing once again. She explained that over the next couple of weeks the age spot would start to crumble away but that in some cases a second treatment is needed.

What impressed me about these procedures is that both were relatively pain free and could be performed during a lunch break.

Neither of the treatments were terribly expensive with Veinwave starting at £80 and Cryotherapy £65. For more information, contact Whitethorn Fields MediClinic on 01296 614441. l Whitethorn Fields MediClinic Old Risborough Road, Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP22 5XJ T: 01296 614441 E: enquiries@whitethornmediclinic.co.uk W: www.whitethornmediclinic.co.uk

Back pain? Sport injury? Muscle/Joint pain?

Posture related problems? Inflexibility?

Stress related neck/shoulder tightness...

We can free you from the discomfort caused by these and many other painful conditions.

Come to Massage Matters specialist clinic in Thame for an assessment and see how we can help you.

Massage Matters, North Street, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3TH T: 01844 212022 E: hello@massagematters.clinic W: www.massagematters.clinic Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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nt me n ish rb g soo fu i n Y Re m IX-DRASE: £250 S co COU

A BETTER WAY THAME LEISURE CENTRE TO GET ACTIVE

DAY NE S* E O PAS FRE UEST G

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We’re working with South Oxfordshire District Course date: Monday 18th - Saturday 23rd July 2016 Council to make big improvements to your local Venue: Thame Leisure Centre, Oxford Road, Thame, Oxon, OX9 2BB leisure centre. Before you know it, you’ll find Booking essential. a refurbished gym, studio and new equipment.

If you’re a strong swimmer, You st might notice a few disruptionsEveryone for a while, out more and book at: can benefit fromfind exercise, www.londonleisurecollege.co.uk but we promise it will be worth thewhatever wait. your age, whatever your ability.

Soon you’ll find:

Walk, run, swim, or cycle yourself healthy THAME LEISUREfee CENTRE with no contract and no joining until 31 January.

For more information and to claim your guest Refurbished gym and studio Join today at www.better.org.uk/thame pass, visit www.better.org.uk/thame New Technogym equipment Guaranteed job interview if you pass the course!

l l l

New group cycle bikes much more...

l And much, In partnership with

In partnership with

To find out more, pop in or visit: www.better.org.uk/thame District Council

Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered address: Middlegate House,

*Customers using the gym must complete a pre exercise questionnaire and book an induction prior to use. Booking is essential for racquet sports andArsenal, group London exercise, and subject to availability.

OnlyRevenue one named The Royal SE18 6SXisIPS Registered No. 27793R Inland Charityperson No. XR43398. per pass, use for one day only up until the date specified. Only valid to non members. Centre and swim safely rules apply. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Subject to capacity. We reserve the right to refuse entry. Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise. Registered address: Middlegate House. The Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6SX IPS Registered No. 27793, Inland Revenue Charity No. XR43398

GLL_PCR_Thame_Advert_BetterWayToGetActive_190x125_April2015_fv.indd 1

Better is a registered trademark of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX IPS No: 27793, Inland Revenue Charity No

28/04/2015 15:04

uncil

(Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office:

08/12/2015 10:02

Experts in Mobility and Healthcare Supplies Come and visit our new showroom at Watermead, Aylesbury or, if you can’t get to us - give us a call and we’ll visit you!

Specialists in ‘tilt in space’ riser recline chairs Lightweight wheelchairs Wide range of mobility scooters Extensive range of three/four wheeled walkers Bath and shower solutions Aids for daily living Profiling beds and stairlifts Discreet professional advice on continence management Advice and guidance on all aspects of mobility and personal care Equipment Hire Excellent after sales service and customer care 35 Lakeside, Watermead, Aylesbury, HP19 OFX | Tel: 01296 435607 | Web: www.theeasyliving.company 22

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Column: Fitness Focus with Rebecca Holmes

Health & Fitness

Hands on holistic healing

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o you often feel stressed or anxious? Do you have difficulty in sleeping, or suffer from digestive issues or a variety of aches and pains? Are you fed up with taking medication and would like to find a natural non-invasive alternative?

Then Reflexology might be your answer.

I am a qualified, experienced Reflexologist and I know from first-hand experience that the conditions I mention above can be helped by Reflexology. I love observing the positive effects it can have on my clients.

Certain points of the hands and feet reflect, or mirror, the organs and structures of the body as well as a person’s emotional health.

Reflexology works by applying gentle finger and thumb pressure to these specific points on the hands and feet, which can encourage the body to balance and heal itself.

Reflexology is a wonderful gentle therapy that can be enjoyed by all ages, but my work with children in

Rebecca applies pressure to a client’s feet encouraging the body to balance and heal itself

particular has opened my eyes to the impact it can have on them and their families.

Many of the children I see are suffering from very high levels of anxiety, poor sleep patterns, digestive issues, and behavioural problems. They are often on a variety of medication such as Bio-melatonin for sleep disorders and laxatives for constipation.

Reflexology treatment has been

able to improve significantly the lives of many of them, to the extent that parents have not needed to put them on medication as originally planned or, in other cases, enabled them to come off the medication altogether.

For example a mum called Charlotte asked me to treat her eight year old Autistic child.

He was becoming extremely anxious and withdrawn and she was considering putting him on anti-anxiety medication.

After four sessions Charlotte said, “His anxiety levels dropped dramatically resulting in him being able to cope better at school and become more involved in class activities. He also started to behave much better at home and smile more. I feel like I have my little boy back”.

I treat all ages and a wide variety of ailments in my treatment room in Great Kimble as well as working two days a week in Special Needs Schools in Buckinghamshire mainly focussing on children on the

Emma Morgan Yoga

Tel: 07709 428629 www.emmamorganyoga.com

Rebecca Holmes Reflexologist

Autistic Spectrum and with ADHD. If you would like to find out more about the subject then please contact me, Rebecca Holmes via my website: www.chilternhillstherapies.com Alternatively if you would like to find a Reflexologist in your area then contact the Association of Reflexologists: www.aor.org.uk or The Complementary Therapy Association: www.ctha.com. l Rebecca has a B.Sc. degree in Medical Microbiology, an ITEC Dip in Reflexology and an ITEC Dip in Indian Head Massage, please contact her at Chiltern Hills

Therapies, Great Kimble.

Tel: 07713 355428 Email: rebeccaholmes7@gmail.com Web: www.chilternhillstherapies.com

Maria Bray

Nutritional Therapy

The Science of Health and Vitality l

Eat Well l Live Well l Feel Well

l

New Saturday morning Teen Clinic: £30 for 1 hour session Take charge of your health - I can assist you to achieve your desired health improvements with a mutually agreed and appropriate stepped programme of dietary and lifestyle changes.

Diagnostic testing for: l Food intolerances / poor digestion l Vitamin D skin prick - overall health; bones, depression; skin; immunity l Homocysteine testing - heart health; brain health

Call for free half hour consultation

Tel: Maria on 0771 5414719 / 01296 581561

www.mariabraynutritionaltherapy.com

Stella Huxley Massage Therapist

Daily classes in Thame and Long Crendon to help you relax & destress. Suitable for all abilities. Based on Traditional Hatha Yoga - classes are a combination of breathing techniques, relaxation & postures, with elements of strength, balance and flexibility.

Summer discount until Sept 4th, 2016: 25% off!

Only £9 drop-in, or £45 to book block of 6 - call today!

Swedish Body Massage Aromatherapy Body Massage Deep Tissue Massage Indian Head Massage

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

23

October 2016 marks 4beauty’s 10th year in business - an occasion owner Ellen Aubrey has decided cannot pass without celebration! In fact the salon is to celebrate for the entire month as Ellen and her team wish to thank each and every client, the most loyal of whom have been with Ellen right from the very beginning... “

I

can’t quite believe we have been doing this for a decade,” says Ellen of Whitchurch beauty salon 4beauty, “it seems quite surreal really. So many things have happened personally and professionally during the last 10 years but all the while 4beauty has continued to flourish, grow and develop into a beauty business I am very proud to call my own. It wouldn’t have happened without the help and support of my wonderful Dream Team - Sophie Fymruk, Kelly Travers and Lisa Ridgeley though and of course my fabulous family, thank you all!

“With all our celebrations we are heading into an exciting period of time and October will be no ordinary month! Aside from the birthday madness we will be seeing our beautiful Sophie off on her much anticipated Maternity Leave. As most of you know, this loyal, long standing, exceptional girl has been

The 4beauty team - Ellen, Kelly, Sophie and Lisa at my side since almost the very beginning.

Sophie joined me a few weeks before her 19th Birthday in 2007 and has been my constant ‘Wingman’ throughout the last 9 years. She is as much part of 4beauty as I am, we have a unique partnership that will never be replicated - long may it continue, I am eternally grateful to her. I could go on but she knows what she means to me... “Thank you my darling little Soph!”

And to all our fabulous clients - this October is about thanking you! You are invited to our continuous, month long party!

Ellen and Sophie with ‘bump’ 2 24

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

We will be doing lots of different, exciting things... we have workshops provided by our professional suppliers Decléor, Carita, Guinot and Delilah, (details of which will be published nearer the time via our Facebook page and 4beauty website) and there will of course be bubbles! You will receive a glass of Bubbles before, during or after your treatment, cupcakes will be offered in abundance and there will be competitions, giveaways and discounts throughout the magic month of October!! We can’t wait to see you all!

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

The 4beauty story

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llen Aubrey has always been interested in skincare and cosmetics and trained as a Beauty Therapist when she left school. Her career took off in a different direction though and she was thirty when she returned to the village where she grew up, to open her own salon.

With the strapline ‘A little bit of Mayfair in Whitchurch High Street’ - 4beauty caters for a sophisticated clientelle, who enjoy the premium brands and friendly, personal and professional service from highly trained therapists.

“Our success is a two-part story,” says Ellen. “It’s down to having outstanding staff who are client focussed and deliver a high quality service due to thorough training and their professional attitude. We work equally, as a team, and share the same high standards, The 4beauty salon which delivers consistency.

The second part is 4beauty’s was a little more professional partners. We began in ambitious as it 2006 with the support of Decleor, introduced an a wonderful French Aromatherapy electro-therapy based skincare brand, we’ve enjoyed a happy facial to our clients.

10 year marriage and we’re still going These were relatively strong. Clients love the relaxing facial new at the time treatments and enjoy using the vast whereas today it’s Ellen Aubrey range of skincare products at home all about advancing too. technology. I love In 2008 we introduced another French this about the beauty industry - it’s innovative, skincare heavyweight, Guinot. This brand fast moving and constantly changing. Now

with social media and celebrity endorsements it’s a challenge to keep your finger on the pulse and stay ahead of the trends! 4beauty thrives on this though, it’s what we’re known for.

Carita is our uber-luxury, French skincare brand, for the discerning client who wants the very best money can buy in sophisticated, technologically advanced, anti-ageing treatments and home-care products.

British cosmetic brand Delilah, launched only two and half years ago has been another success. We were one of the first salons to stock it - Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols have since followed suit.

Lash treatments are in high demand, Nouveau Lashes LVL (Lift, Volume and Length) is our number one lash treatment, followed closely by our ever popular Individual Lash Extension treatment.

And of course, any salon worth its salt has top quality nail treatments on offer - we favour CND Shellacs and Vinylux, Bio Sculpture Gels and OPI treatments too. l 4beauty Ltd, 56 High Street, Whitchurch, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 4JS Tel: 01296 640644 Email: admin@4-beauty.com Web: www.4-beauty.com

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Health & Fitness

Column: Fitness Focus with Kate Everitt

Scatter some Autumn leaves

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uggyfit is the ultimate outdoor exercise class for postnatal Mums: you bring your baby in a pram/buggy and let them get an hour of fresh air while Mum gets her hour of metime working out.

BuggyFit, now a nationally recognised brand with classes cropping up all over the UK, was founded by Emma Redding back in 2002, when her son was just 2, so you’ll likely have heard of it by now.

You might not know that there are 7 classes to choose from in your area though, run by local instructors Kelly and Kate, (pictured) as well as Emma herself.

Taking time out to exercise is fantastic not only for your fitness levels but mental state too, relieving stress, improving stamina and making for a happier Mum. Buggyfit comes with the added bonus of exercising with likeminded women, enabling you to make new friends and benefit from the social fun these classes bring.

All Buggyfit trainers are fully qualified and insured fitness

Kate Everitt BuggyFit

you buy a monthly pass) - speak to individual trainers for more details.

Mums working out with Kelly at Aston Clinton professionals, who understand what a new Mum’s body has been through and know what training is needed at each postnatal stage.

The trainers also ensure each Mum gets an appropriate workout to suit her fitness level, be it back to fitness from a fit pre-pregnancy or starting from scratch.

Buggyfit classes incorporate cardio vascular and fat-burning exercises with strength training

and toning, concentrating on the specific areas that need work after childbirth.

The great thing is that this mix produces maximum results for each individual, as it not only tones those problem areas but helps to raise the metabolic rate and aid in weight loss too.

Come join us! Classes are reasonably priced at £6 per hourlong session (or reduced rates if

l Classes with Emma: Waddesdon Manor: Thursday 1.30pm Towersey: Monday 10.30am Classes with Kelly: Wendover Woods: Tuesday 10am Aston Clinton Park: Wednesday 10am and Thursday 1pm Classes with Kate: Buckingham Park, Aylesbury: Monday 11am Watermead, Aylesbury: Thursday 10am Meeting points for individual classes can be found at www.buggyfit.com then searching by postcode/area. Or call 01844 202081.

Kate Walker

Mobile Chiropodist BSc (Hons) Hcpc Registered

General Foot Care l Verruca Treatment l Ingrowing Nails l Biomechanics l

Tel: 078875 51591

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Reflexology for adults and children Ailments which can benefit from reflexology sessions include:

Headaches and migraines Stress & anxiety Digestive problems l Menstrual problems l Tiredness & fatigue l Aches & Pains l

l

For all your beauty needs Unit 5, Layby Farm, Stoke Mandeville Buckinghamshire HP22 5XJ 07771 330366 laura.gilbey@hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk www.hiddenbeautyaylesbury.co.uk

Thame Therapy Clinic Complementary Health Therapies from Experienced Practitioners

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I’m an experienced Reflexologist treating all ages and a wide variety of ailments in my treatment room at Great Kimble. I also work two days a week in Special Need Schools in Buckinghamshire.

Tel: Rebecca Holmes on 07713355428 Email: rebeccaholmes7@gmail.com website:www.chilternhillstherapies.com 26

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

23 Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 3EX Tel: 01844 215555

www.thametherapyclinic.co.uk

What’s afoot?!

W

hat’s afoot indeed, one might say, for at Thame’s leading podiatry clinic, Feet First, plans are in motion...

Known for keeping local feet healthy and happy with a combination of innovative technology, professional expertise and care, Feet First is expanding and will soon be able to offer more availability for podiatry treatments, in a newly refurbished and updated clinic, plus an exciting range of wider fit shoes.

“I am really excited to be refurbishing our clinic and also adding a small shoe shop selling the brand DB Wider Fit Shoes,” says owner Jenney Klose. “We will be offering a substantial range of footwear for men and women by this quality shoe brand.

“Many people have problems finding shoes wide and deep enough for their feet in high street stores and buying shoes online isn’t really an option as they need to be fitted and tried. DB Wider Fit are

perfect for wider feet, so no more need to travel long distances to find a supplier.

“In addition, as patients often comment to me that no one offers a shoe fitting service for adult footwear anymore, we will be! Two of our podiatrists are ‘Qualified Shoe Fitters’ and our members of staff will be ‘Trained Shoe Fitters’.

“Footwear advice is part of our holistic foot care treatment so it seems sensible to provide our patients with this extended service.

Check out our website (www.feetfirst.org) for opening information, it shouldn’t be long.”

Feet First also offers a range of specialist treatments in addition to general podiatry.

Fungal nails can be a problem to treat, with most over-the-counter solutions having little or no effect as they can’t penetrate the nail. At Feet First Jenney’s patients have

‘Movement for every body’ Welcoming, modern studio offering small group yoga & pilates classes, for all ages & abilities, in friendly, relaxing, professional environment Cross Keys House, New Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0LF Tel: 07793 387272 Email: enquiry@evolvepilatesphysio.co.uk Website: www.evolvehealthwellbeing.co.uk

Jenney Klose at work been thrilled with the results from two innovative new fungal nail treatments.

“We offer Clearanail and Photodynamic Therapy and have had outstanding results,” says Jenney. “How they work is explained on our website, it’s very impressive.”

Achilles Tendinopathy and Plantar Fasciitis are common conditions that can take months or years to heal, and can affect your daily activities, walking and general mobility.

Feet First offers an outstanding treatment known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy. It’s cutting edge technology to provide an effective and quick recovery and gets you back on your feet fast.

Again see the Feet First website or contact the clinic for more information and watch out for news on the revamp! l Feet First, 13a Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ER Tel: 01844 261023 Email: enquiries@feet-first.org Web: www.feet-first.org

If you are feeling sad, confused, worried, depressed, anxious, lonely, or just overwhelmed, I can help.

Whatever issue is troubling you why not get in touch and we can find a solution together.

I am a qualified Psychotherapist offering a flexible therapeutic service tailored to your needs and requirements

Jaqui Supple Counselling

Web: www.jaquisupplecounselling.co.uk Email: jaquisupple@gmail.com Tel: 07977904067 Facebook.com/jaquisupplecounselling

Charlotte Mobile Hairdresser Professional Hairdressing for

Stretch & Roll is a fun workout that leaves you feeling challenged, refreshed and inspired.

It involves using a Foam Roller, a wonderful tool for improving core strength, stability and balance.

Thursdays: 6.15-7pm at the Thame Barns Centre. £6 per class.

Foam rolling massages away muscle soreness, loosens tension and prepares your body for deeper stretching. It improves Postural Alignment, Balance Control and Core Stability, increases Flexibility, decreases Stress Levels and can aid Weight Loss.

For a Free Trial contact Polly Wright: Email: pollywrightfitness@gmail.com or Tel: 07475 753004 For more information see: www.pollywrightfitness.co.uk

Everyone All in the comfort of your own home

Over 12 years of salon experience Tel: 07479 939461 www.mobilehairdesign.com charlotte@mobilehairdesign.com • modern cutting techniques • colours (all types) • • colour correction • blow dry • curls & waves • • perms • sets • hair extensions • special occasions • Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

The revamped Walton Court Centre now boasts a smart new hair and beauty salon. A welcome addition to the parade, Guys’n’Dolls is sister salon to Parton Road’s popular Body Beautiful...

S

arah Labross took over the running of her aunt’s beauty and tanning salon, Body Beautiful, at Parton Road in Aylesbury five years ago.

The salon was given a makeover and hair and hair extensions introduced two years ago and business has boomed. Sarah has now launched a second salon just across town in the smart new parade at Walton Court. She grew up in Aylesbury not far from Walton Court and went to Mandeville School, so she knows the area well.

“The new salon offers a similar range and quality of hair, tanning and beauty services to Body Beautiful,” says Sarah, “but is slightly different in that it has a barbering section, which is why I’ve launched it under a different name - Guys ’n’ Dolls - to show we cater for men and women here.

“We have three experienced and talented barbers in Dariel, Toni and Salvy, while Danielle, who also works at Body Beautiful and Laura, are available in the ladies hair section to the rear of the salon. The girls are both experienced hairdressers having completed their training and been cutting and colouring for 7 and 8 years respectively. They offer a full range of cutting and colouring services plus Hair Up, Wedding Hair and Hair Extensions.

“They are very good and are already proving extremely popular, so are getting quite booked up. Dariel and Salvy worked together before in another Aylesbury salon while Toni joined us from a barbers in Wycombe.”

Guys ‘n’ Dolls has a beauty therapy room and two tanning rooms in addition to the hairdressing sections.

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

The Guys ‘n’ Dolls team - from left: Jodie, Danielle, Salvy, Laura, Sarah (to front), Amy and Dariel

Both tanning rooms have Aurora vertical tanning units fitted with 0.3 maximum strength bulbs.

Amy is Guys ‘n’ Dolls’ beauty therapist. She works at both salons and provides a full range of treatments from Manicures, Pedicures, Shellac and Bio Sculpture nails to Facials and Eyelash treatments - Tints, Shapes and Extensions, plus Brow Shaping and Tinting.

She also offers massage, exfoliation, waxing and spray tanning.

In addition there is the option of semipermanent eyebrow tattooing by Jodie and the salon also offers ‘finer line’ facial aesthetics (dermal fillers and Botox) by qualified medical practitioners Dr Sarah Marshall and Debbie Misseldine.

The treatments take place at the salon and details are available at reception.

As a special offer for Vale life readers Guys ‘n’ Dolls are offering 20% off any hair or beauty service, booked during October and taken before the end of November, when you mention Vale Life Magazine, or £5 off a sunbed block booking (standard cost: 30 minute block booking £25; 60 minutes £40; or 90 minutes £55). l Guys ‘n’ Dolls, Walton Court Centre, Hannon Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP21 8TJ Tel: 01296 429685 Facebook: search Guys-n-Dolls-Walton-Court Open: Mon & Tue: 9am-6pm, Wed & Thur: 9am8pm, Fri: 9am-7pm, Sat: 9am-4pm l Body Beautiful, 40 Parton Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1NG Tel: 01296 422701 www.bodybeautifulaylesbury.co.uk

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Column: Nick Phillips ‘Good to give’

Charities benefit business

T

here are over 2,500 charities in Bucks and more than 800 registered charities in Aylesbury Vale alone - that’s not counting all the small groups and clubs that do great things for others.

These organisations support thousands of people in so many ways, from Scouts and Guides to charities helping children as carers, or homeless people in Aylesbury.

The vast majority of these organisations turn over less than £25,000 per year and rely on volunteers to deliver their work but they really matter to those who use them - in some cases they are a lifeline.

With both national and local Government cutting back on services, it is likely that charities will continue to fill the gap, so we hope those organisations are in robust health. Some are, but many aren’t and the Government funding is set to reduce by up to 34%.

It is clear that local donors, like you, make a significant impact

01296 622975 07711750917

and keep many of these vital organisations going but as Bucks is considered the ‘Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain’ how does business play a part in supporting charity in Buckinghamshire and particularly Aylesbury Vale?

I have written before about the reported benefits to business of working with charities such as; staff development, customer perception, attracting top graduates/staff, many of whom today consider social responsibility a key factor in deciding who to work for.

Although National Statistics state that less than 4% of funding for charities comes from business, here in Aylesbury Vale there are some really good examples of businesses working with local charities - to the benefit of both.

Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research (www.lifeafterparalysis. com) work with local businesses through their Wheels at Work programme whereby the charity helps businesses identify and empathise with people in

wheelchairs and their staff learn from the experience.

Gartec, National platform lift specialists, based locally in Aylesbury, took part in the scheme, not only helping their staff learn what it is like to be in a wheelchair and be better able to deal with customers in wheelchairs - but the Gartec team also went on to raise money for the charity.

Briony Brock at Stoke Mandeville Spinal Research says: “Gartec is just one of a number of businesses that support us but is a really good example of how staff benefit from increased understanding and empathy for their clients. By providing them with wheelchairs and staff carrying out a range of tasks, Gartec brought in over £1,000 worth of sponsorship which directly supports our work towards improving the quality of life for those living with paralysis. A classic example where everyone wins from the business charity relationship!”

This is the sort of engagement

F u n e r a l D i r e c to r s 21 -23 High Street, Wendover HP22 6DU

Nick Phillips

Good to give that Community Impact Bucks are helping both business and charity develop.

2016’s annual charity sector conference is on exactly this topic, bringing business and charity together and building symbiotic relationships. The event, Building the Bridge - Succeeding together! takes place on 28th September at the Gateway in Aylesbury. www.communityimpactbucks.org. uk/annual-conference l Nick Phillips is CEO of

Community Impact Bucks, a charity dedicated to creating a better life for the people of Buckinghamshire.

Tel: 0300 1111 250 www.communityimpactbucks.org.uk

bradleyandjones.co.uk time@bradleyandjones.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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by Cathy Soughton

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Claydon House

Middle Claydon

D

escribed as ‘an unexpected Georgian jewel’ Claydon House, now run by the National Trust, is an 18th century country house near Middle Claydon that was built by the Verney family to showcase their wealth.

The building didn’t turn out as originally planned but its sumptuous interiors and a museum to Florence Nightingale, a frequent visitor, make it a fascinating visit for all the family.

The current Claydon House was built by Ralph 2nd Earl Verney between 1757 and 1771. The Verney family has lived at Middle Claydon since 1620 and renowned members include Sir Edmund Verney who was King Charles I’s chief standard bearer during the English Civil War. Sir Edmund was killed at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642, and according to a family story, the standard was found clutched in his severed hand although his body was never recovered. His son Ralph initially

supported the Parliamentarians but became disenchanted and sought exile in France.

In 1661 following the restoration of the monarchy, King Charles II awarded him a baronetcy and he later became MP for Buckingham.

His grandson Ralph was created an Earl in 1743. One notorious Verney was Edmund’s half-brother Francis who, unhappily married and pursued by creditors, left England for Morocco and converted to Islam.

He became a feared Barbary pirate until he was eventually captured and spent two years imprisoned as a galley slave. He was freed by an English Jesuit on the promise that he would convert to Catholicism, which he did, but died soon afterwards.

Ralph the 2nd Earl planned on enlarging his late 16th century mansion at Claydon into a huge Palladian country house to rival nearby Stowe House. Work started in 1757 but it proved troublesome and Lord Verney ran into financial difficulties and died bankrupt in 1791. His niece Mary Verney inherited the estate and subsequently demolished the uncompleted north wing and centre leaving just the west

happy memory shared Sharing a treasured family photo or listening to a favourite song can make a real difference to the health and happiness of your loved one.

Dementia reminiscence therapy it’s all part of the way we care • Residential and dementia care homes • Not-for-profit group

For more information on Buckingham Lodge care home please call free on 0808 163 5266 or visit buckingham-lodge.co.uk Culpepper Close, Aylesbury, HP19 9DU 30

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Claydon House (pic Tony Chivers)

wing which remains today.

The exterior of the house is quite unassuming; built on classical lines it consists of two floors, over seven bays, with the middle section having a pediment. Fortunately the interior of the wing was left intact and in contrast is extraordinarily grand featuring intricate ornate and lavish Rococo carvings and plasterwork.

A highlight is the wonderfully exotic Chinese room on the first floor which features a carved pagoda inspired alcove and walls and doorways encrusted with chinoiserie - a Chinese inspired decorative style.

On the first floor there is also a museum to Florence Nightingale,

the sister of Parthenope Nightingale who had married Harry Verney in 1858. Born as Harry Calvert, he had changed his surname by royal licence in order that he could inherit the Verney estates from his cousin Mary Verney.

Florence was a regular visitor to Claydon House and did much of her writing there as well as entertaining groups of nurses who came out from London for tea parties and breaks from their training. Her four poster bed is still at the house and children can try it out for size.

The house was given by the Verneys to the National Trust in 1956 but the current 6th Baronet, Sir Edmund Verney still lives there.

Now open to the public along with attractive gardens, parkland, the adjacent parish church and courtyard businesses there is plenty to do for all the family with regular special events taking place, see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claydon for more details. l Cathy Soughton is a professional genealogist and architectural historian providing family history and house history research: Tel: 01296 624845 www.bucksresearch.co.uk Email: soughton@btopenworld.com

Column: Bookworm with Ben Churchill

Fiction Book of the Month: Grief is the Thing with Feathers

by Max Porter This is one of my all-time favourite books. I can safely say that you won’t have read anything like it. It’s the story of a father and his two boys coming to terms with the death of their wife and mother. Straight out of the poetry of Ted Hughes, Crow - a trickster, a healer and a babysitter - threatens to stay until the grieving family doesn’t require his services any longer. It’s truly a one-of-akind novel..

Children’s Book of the Month:

The Wolf Wilder

by Katherine Rundell At this novel’s centre sits Feodora, a young wolf wilder in training, her task being to re-wild wolves so they can survive beyond the hand of man. Revolution, however, is in the air, and the sudden savage intervention of the Russian Army sets Feo on a treacherous but life-affirming journey of hope and survival. This is a fantastic novel from the winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

WILLS IN ENGLISH

In essence you don’t have a Will if you die without one Wills from £80 if you don’t have one Email: edward@willsinenglish.com

LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY £250* per person

Covers Health & Finance 2 home visits, advice and certification * OPG charges of £110 per application are extra Email: edward@lpaconsultants.co.uk

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www.lpaconsultants.co.uk www.willsinenglish.com Tel: 01491 638075 Mobile: 07962 157843 Bakery Lodge, Skirmett, RG9 6TD

Book reviews

Non-Fiction Book of the Month:

The Outrun

by Amy Liptrot If Max Porter’s book is about external loss, then in a sense Liptrot’s is about the inner - the loss of oneself in a very post-millennial blizzard of work, pressure and the all-too available release of drink.

A chance return to childhood Orkney (and specifically the remote island of Papa Westray) becomes the author’s touchstone, its wilderness becoming a healing mirror to Liptrot’s acute distress.

Thriller of the Month:

SS-GB

by Len Deighton SS-GB paints a starkly-accurate portrait of a Britain under Nazi occupation, underpinned by a seemingly-conventional police

procedural. All, however, is not what it seems, and soon sinister discoveries lead policeman Douglas Archer to the very heart of the new establishment’s dark powers.

Thriller of the Month:

Nutshell

by Ian McEwan This novel has one of the most original narrators to come about in a very long time - a 9-month-old foetus. From inside the womb of his mother, Trudy, the narrator can hear life and discovers that his mother and her lover are plotting a murder.

Influenced heavily

by Hamlet, Nutshell is a thoroughly enjoyable book.

l Reviews by Ben Churchill, Senior Bookseller at Waterstones, Aylesbury Tel: 01296 423153 Web: www.waterstones.com

Pardon my English!

A local dialect ‘Call My Bluff’ by Jacot de Boinod Can you guess the right definitions of the following words?

1) Pightle or Pikle

(Hertfordshire dialect) A) the second swarm of bees in the same season B) tall, gaunt and sinewy C) an enclosure adjoining a farmhouse in which cattle were kept at night

2) Rag

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) quarried chalk, hard chalk B) without thought, headlong C) the boy’s game of progressive leapfrog

3) Cooch

(Hertfordshire dialect)

A) a very large box B) to check water at its boiling point, by dashing cold water into it C) to fish, especially for eels, by thrusting a sharp stick with bait on it into holes in the river bed

3) Maygrums

(Buckinghamshire dialect) A) the knees B) freckles C) the blues

l Adam Jacot de Boinod was a researcher for the television series QI and

is the author of The Meaning of Tingo and Other Extraordinary Words from around the World, published by Penguin Books. Having researched our rural dialect, he is setting a fun ‘Call-My-Bluff Quiz for Vale Life readers - mind your language now...

ANSWERS: 1C) an enclosure 2A) quarried chalk, hard chalk 3A) a very large box 4C) the blues

l

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Signwriting by Paul Hetherton for Coco Design

Go organic with my guide to nature inspired interiors this Autumn...

Polly Gibbs

Step inside

Polly Gibbs, Creative Director at Coco Design, shares her down to earth approach to interiors, from design secrets to trends and everything in between.

N

Sanderson Woodland Collection 32

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

atural elements are good for the soul, the outdoors revives our senses so adding touches of nature to your interior will keep it homely and grounded. Think woodland walks with friends followed by a Sunday roast in a warm, inviting and restful home.

Those who know me well know I love trees. Not in a tree hugger way, more in appreciation of the simple pleasure of being in the moment amongst nature; the smell of woodland, the birds chatting and sight of the odd deer if you’re lucky. There’s nothing like nature to clear the mind and September is the perfect time to enjoy the changing colours as we shift from summer towards winter. This is probably where my passion for using wood in my design work comes from, be it wooden floors or furniture, it has unique charm and character that brings balance to the most stark of interior schemes.

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

For this contemporary look below, I’ve teamed a vintage oak stool and black & white photography with a white oak floor

to soften the jet black wall. (Vintage stool £75. Burgess Reclamation.

Shelving by Ikea. Star decoration by The White Company. Book pictures £90. Kelly Hoppen.

Geometric Throw from Daylesford Organic £59.

Simcoe knitted throw in Pearl £95. Soho Home.

Oak floor by Prime Floors).

I’ve styled this beautiful Zabel media unit, right, with vintage blue and white ginger jars, bamboo, a twig wreath and Crown Urban autumn feel. Shown in gorgeous City emulsion for a cosy blackened mango wood the Zabel’s textured doors are a real feature, oh and it’s made by artisans in Jodhpur, India, making it a steal at £269. (Swoon Editions). I added Hafele touchlatches so the doors spring open Styled by Coco Design Zabel unit styled by Coco Design and soft-close; a

Zephyr by Rebecca Chan little improvement I’ve shared with Swoon to make it perfect.

Also inspired by nature, upcoming furniture designer Rebecca Chan aims to find beauty in the ordinary. Her Zephyr (gentle breeze) and Komorebi (a Japanese word to describe dappled sunlight through trees) designs have a simple Japanese/Scandinavian charm that aims to engage us emotionally - as all good design should. Combining technology with craftsmanship, the motifs on the table tops above Continued on page 34

Your only difficulty will be in deciding just which stone to choose…

Leading independent supplier of high quality Natural and Composite Stone with new showroom and workshop in Grendon Underwood.

Stone experts with more than thirty years experience.

Internal and external Stone Flooring including: limestone, marble, sandstone, slate, terracotta & travertine, porcelain & ceramic tiles and mosaics plus contemporary alternatives such as wood effect porcelain ‘boards’, patterned tiles and digitally printed & glazed porcelain tiles.

Bespoke service, specialist knowledge, extensive contacts.

Stone renovation service.

Visit our showroom & workshop, open Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm at: Unit 2 & 3, Lawn Farm Business Centre, Grendon Underwood, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0QX T: 01296 770859 E: showroom@hardrockflooring.co.uk W: www.hardrockflooring.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

33

Step inside by Polly Gibbs

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Continued from page 33 are lasercut from Beech plywood, then hand finished with maple legs.

Each item is designed and made in Scotland. (Prices from £210 - £260).

If you prefer a more rustic feel then take a look at Sanderson’s ‘Woodland Walk Collection’ of wallpapers, fabrics and complementing plains. Inspired by British woodlands and wildlife, the cloths are natural, the wallpaper imagery beautifully hand-drawn and painted, including squirrels and hedgehogs.

A palette of colours distilled from woodlands can be used for calm or drama. I love neutrals like chalky whites, mushrooms and minks, with charcoals for contrast. But my favourite colourway for atmosphere is Mole’s Breath, a browny grey, because it’s warm and restful, yet sophisticated. (2.5ltr. Modern Emulsion £43.50. Farrow & Ball).

I’m not a fan of feature walls, so go for it on all four I say and you won’t be disappointed. Moody muddy hues like this can be mellowed

Sanderson Woodland Plains Collection

Melford Bouquet by Abigail Ahern with pops of fern or mossy greens, cowslip yellow, or wildflower blues as accents. This brings me onto houseplants which are having a huge

revival at the moment.

Gone are spider plants and peace lilies; in are succulents like aloe vera, exoctic palms, air plants and cacti - all low Kew Bug Cottage maintenance.

Fresh flowers are always in fashion - use loose arrangements (as opposed to formal hand tied) that look just picked from your walk and thrown together in a tall jar. Blooms like ranunculus, green hydrangea or peonies, are

beautiful against dark green foliage, noting the greenery is as important as the blooms. Then add a few quirky touches like seasonal berries, fern leaves, fountain grass, or thistles for a sculptural effect. Nature isn’t perfect, so the trick is to arrange them asymmetrically with the height off centre.

And finally, how cute is this Kew Garden mini bug cottage? A little helping hand for nature from us humans for a change (£9.95. John Lewis).

Sources

swooneditions.com kellyhoppen.com burgessreclamation.co.uk primefloors.co.uk sohohome.com rebecca-chan.com johnlewis.com sanderson-uk.com hafele.co.uk l Polly Gibbs is an award-winning designer, Decorex100 Interiors Influencer and Amara Interiors Blog Award Finalist. Her website is currently undergoing a revamp.

Email: pauline@coco-design.co.uk

High quality bespoke kitchens and furniture, handmade by skilled craftsmen in Buckinghamshire Complete Kitchens | Bedrooms | Wardrobes | Cupboards | Shelving | Storage Solutions | Furniture | Desks | Offices

‘Mark’s attention to details, such as the plate rack and bespoke drawer dividers, make everything a pleasure to look at and use.’

Unit 23, Kemps Farm, Chapel Road, Ford, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8XG Tel: 01296 658660 Mob: 07754 409203 Email: mark@ markwilliamsonfurniture.com Website: www.markwilliamsonfurniture.com 34

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Finally there is a real alternative to timber windows.

A fully stocked showroom including Solidor

ÂŽ

Omega Homestyle has over 25 years’ experience of designing and fitting premium doors, windows and conservatories We firmly believe that by keeping the entire process as stress free as possible, we are adding to your enjoyment of your new windows, doors and conservatories. For an individually tailored service and to find out exactly what we can do for you please contact us or come and visit our newly refurbished showroom.

Omega Homestyle, Woodway Farm Industrial Estate, Bicester Road, Long Crendon, Aylesbury, Bucks HP18 9EP Tel: 01844

201888, email: info@omegahomestyle.co.uk or visit:

www.omegahomestyle.co.uk

Lots to see! QuaLity products

Free parking

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

35

‘The Art of Wood Burning’

JØtul “fighting the cold since 1853”

The most comprehensive showroom in Oxfordshire Over 75 stoves and 15 under fire on display Kiln dried and Eco logs

Jøtul – logo

HETAS registered. Ample free parking.

Boundary Business Park, Wheatley Road, Garsington, OX44 9EJ Showroom open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm For technical advice it is advisable to make an appointment

01865 361505 www.manorhousestoves.co.uk Featured stoves from JØtul 36

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Burning desire

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

At Amersham’s new Sky House Design Centre you’ll find some of the most exciting and innovative home design brands. From flooring to fabrics, worktops to windows - a whole range of top quality products and suppliers under one roof, ideal for gathering ideas and inspiration...

T

he Exhibitors at Sky House Design Centre cover many aspects of internal design and renovation, from behind the scenes electronics to art and kitchens, fire pits, landscape design and much more. The companies have been chosen to offer both contemporary and modern interior design solutions and provide exemplary customer service and satisfaction.

One such firm, Exterior Solutions, is a design led company specialising in premium wall and floor coverings and in particular, burnt timber cladding and decking.

Their showroom space at Sky House Design Centre showcases some most exciting products, including the Shou Sugi Ban Burnt Timber Cladding, Caesar Ceramic Tiles and the UK’s largest selection of Hardwood Decking.

Shou Sugi Ban Burnt Timber Cladding, a favourite of discerning designers and architects, is exclusive to Exterior Solutions.

The specialist bespoke floor and wall coverings for internal and external cladding, furniture and art, are manufactured locally in Amersham using a traditional Japanese process of burning timber faces to create a beautiful and durable timber finish. The result is a unique and textured decking or wall cladding material, available in a range of different timbers and finishes, rustic or contemporary, to suit the design required.

Worthy Ken House (pic bottom right) by Chris Dyson Architects used ‘Cedar Brushed Flatsawn Dark’ - Kurai Yakisugi and this particular ‘profile’ was chosen to show off some of the stainless steel fixings with a larger shadow gap than usual, to create an open texture.

Each Shou Sugi Ban finish is achieved using a combination of burning, hand brushing, wire brushing, distressing and wood staining - all done in Buckinghamshire using FSC and PEFC timbers.

The traditional techniques used offer uniqueness to each individual project. Many finishes and textures can be provided for interior and exterior projects, from the traditional highly burnt fragile looking, to more sleek and contemporary finishes.

Shou Sugi Ban is tailor-made to order and the company is flexible on timber size,

House 19, Old Amersham, designed by Jestico + Whiles

profile and finish, which are all key points to be specified. In nine years of manufacturing Shou Sugi Ban not one project has been duplicated, each slightly varies, creating a truly unique finish.

Exterior Solutions recently worked with Jestico + Whiles Architects on the RIBA South award-winning carbon zero home ‘House 19’. Modified Timber Enhanced Grain or Hijo ni mirikiteki na, made using a combination of distressing and EB based glue by hand was used for it’s specific texture with hidden fixings and a mix of three widths to again create a completely unique finish to the vertical cladding.

Jestico + Whiles wanted to reflect an element of Shou Sugi Ban inside and so also used it to clad the staircase, along with untreated pieces of cedar to offer a contrast that still accentuates the raw nature of timber.

Exterior Solutions own innovation #brutalcolourism, mixes their natural and stunning Shou Sugi Ban with architectural concrete design.

Search the web for brutalcolourism or follow #brutalcolourism for more information.

There is a collection of projects you can see on Pinterest and Instagram that are updated daily @luxurymaterials. If you’d like to see

Shou Sugi Ban in the flesh it is on display at the Sky House Design Centre where Exterior Solutions offer full CPD services that can be based on a current project. l Sky House Design Centre, Raans Road, Amersham, Buckinghamshire, HP6 6JQ Tel: 01494 722880 Email: info@skyhousedesigncentre.com Web: www.skyhousedesigncentre.com Make an appointment now to visit the Sky House Design Centre: Mon-Fri, 9am to 5:30pm; Sat, 9am to 4pm.

Please contact Sky House to book your appointment.

Exterior Solutions Ltd: 01494 711800

Rear and roof extension to Victorian home in Kenworthy Road, Hackney by Chris Dyson Architects

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

37

Yourhomehandy office Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Real Living

by Charlotte Bolton

Need a little admin space? Take an unused area or room and turn it into a handy study or fun work zone that’s practical and stylish…

I

f you’re under the impression that you need a huge spare room or generous out-house to set up a workspace in your home, you’re wrong (although both sound quite nice). Brilliant work-friendly spaces can emerge from a spare corner, a few inches of wall, or other areas you never thought to explore. Sounds too good to be true? Take a look at these ideas

Real Living

Charlotte Bolton

Office area in the kitchen

‘Spare’ wall space When you’re short on space, a bare wall can be a valuable asset.

Consider building up (rather than extending width ways). Simple, easy-to-install floating shelves are perfect for practical storage - they Spare wall space also ‘break’ up a bare wall area. Make the most of an empty wall space too by decorating it with funky artwork/postcards etc or paint it a vibrant shade such as a BRIGHT blue or green.

Under the stairs Even the smallest space, like the area underneath a staircase, can become a home office. The trick is a slimline desk and clever storage to keep things tidy.

Armoire doubling up as desk

Under the stairs

Doubling up furniture Not only does a charming old fashioned dresser act as a hefty storage cabinet for stashing china and glassware, letters and bits of stationery but it also works overtime as a desk – as would a smaller antique built-in desk.

A clever corner ?

Got a corner? Work it! Even a more formal sitting room can accommodate a work zone.

Sneak in a table, chair, and a few office accessories (lamp, storage drawers etc) so you have a spot to retreat to for working on a project, writing a letter, or reading the paper. If you’re using a corner in a room, be bold with the décor to make it stand out. Hot pink and bright orange complement softer floral and pastel schemes, which is perfect if the office is part of your bedroom.

38

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Clever corner office

Hallways There’s no sense in overlooking a space— and, yes, that includes a hallway. If you’re graced with an area that is long and not-sonarrow, then capitalize on this ‘space’ by

Continued on page 42

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39

Real Living

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Continued from page 40

Hall home office

by Charlotte Bolton Guest room office

propping a desk and slim seat (like a stool) against a pretty printed floral wallpaper.

Re-think the kitchen?

Kitchen on one side; office on the other. A simple architectural detail can divide a space without making it feel out of place. Keeping the colour palette neutral will allow you to bring in all sorts of office ‘extras’ like filing cabinets, storage containers, and shelves for organising items.

Loft space If you can convert your loft, then why not set up an office there?

Loft home office

Velux or Dormer windows will let in the light and you’ll have lots of privacy too.

Bedroom zone A few key pieces (desk, chair, floating shelves) can transform a quiet sleeping space into an efficient work area. If space permits, try and keep the zones distinct from one another by setting the work area away from the bed. The trick is making sure all the decorative elements (colour palette, furniture finishes) complement each other.

Top tips for a stylish study think about the little extras…

Embrace natural light This will not only make your office a better working environment, but if you’re sitting next to a window, you’ll benefit from an outside view.

Choose stylish storage Think about the theme you want, and pick magazine racks, shelves and boxes in colours or patterns that complement this scheme.

Streamline your space

Pretty office storage Keep items such as extension cables, hidden away. And remember, a clutter-free desk promotes a much more productive setting.

Splash out on lights Pick lighting that suits your area, whether it’s a desk or floor lamp, overhead spotlights, or all three! l To find out how your home could be featured in a UK homes magazine visit my website: www.reallivingspaces.co.uk.

Share your home interior ideas with others in a magazine! It’s fun, and free!

Your style, your kitchen, designed by us

Flooring

Lifetime Guarantee* Free Design & Measure Service Up to 50% off selected granite worktops* *T&Cs apply Tel: 01844 261768 www.stoneworldkitchens.co.uk STONEWORLD KITCHENS, 43A Upper High Street, Thame, OX9 2DW 40

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Old Kiln Lakes

Station Road, Chinnor, Oxfordshire OX39 4ER (Now selling from Thame Park – Thame Park Road, Thame, OX9 3PL) 3 bedroom homes from £390,000

@ OLD KILN LAKES

3 BEDROOM HOMES NOW AVAILABLE The Ashton G offers 2.5 storeys of living space and 3 well proportioned bedrooms, making it the ideal home for first time buyers, couples and young families. ∙ Living room/dining area with French doors to rear garden ∙ Top floor dedicated to the master bedroom ∙ Carpets and vinyl flooring included ∙ Help to Buy available – buy with just 5% deposit ∙ Modern kitchen/breakfast area with integrated appliances Book an appointment today, call

01844 390 541

or visit taylorwimpey.co.uk/oldkilnlakes

Now selling from Thame Park – Thame Park Road, Thame, OX9 3PL. Sales Centre open Mon 1pm to 5pm and Thurs to Sun 10am to 5pm. * Normal Taylor Wimpey terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of going to print. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Eligible applicants will be offered an equity loan of up to a maximum of 20% of the purchase price (based on the open market value) Applicants are required to fund at least 80% of the purchase price by means of a conventional mortgage, savings and any deposit where required. For the first five years there is no fee charged on the equity loan component. At the start of year six a fee of 1.75% is payable on the equity loan, which rises annually by RPI inflation plus 1%. The equity loan is provided by the HCA and held as a second charge. Terms and conditions apply and full details will be provided on request. This offer is subject to status and only available on selected developments and properties in England only. It is not offered with any other promotion.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

from design to build The Loggia Conservatory Modern Glass Extensions Cross Over Extensions Traditional Conservatories

01844 208605

Conservatories have been a popular addition to people’s homes since the 70s. Technology, materials, design and energy efficiency has changed immensely over the years though and today they are more an extension of your home - stylish, comfortable and usable all year round. If you have an older design, fear not though, you can replace the roof, or upper sections to thoroughly update your space...

The Loggia

Visit our showroom. Open Mon-Sat.

New Stables, Notley Farm, Long Crendon, Buckinghamshire, HP18 9ER | www.crendonconservatories.co.uk

C

rendon Conservatories is celebrating its tenth birthday this year. The Thame based company has been installing the latest in conservatories and cross-over extensions, windows and doors across the local area for a decade now and has built an enviable reputation as a friendly and reliable, family firm whose business has grown on the recommendations of happy clients.

The company is owned by Richard Warner, a keen sportsman and member of Chinnor Rugby Club. The ex Lord Williams’s School pupil was brought up in Long Crendon and runs the business, employing both his father Les and mother Shirley.

Two years ago the firm moved from premises at Notley Farm to open a showroom at Swan Walk, just off Thame’s Upper High Street - where customers can pop in and pick up a brochure or chat over ideas and options for extending their homes, refurbishing an existing conservatory or replacing doors and windows.

“We have grown as a business,” says Richard, “but we are still very much focused on providing a personal service. I oversee all our projects and spend time on site, managing and making sure our clients are completely happy, while Peter Golding, my sales manager, is on hand to answer questions and enquiries from new customers. Peter has more than 20 years experience in the industry, so he is very knowledgeable and gives excellent advice.

“Our Thame showroom is open from Monday to Friday (Saturdays by appointment), and alongside Pete you may see Kate Harris, who also deals with customer service and sales, my mother Shirley, who helps with admin, or Mel our accounts expert.

“We offer the very latest technologies, designs and trends for the home and are constantly moving our range forward, researching and selecting the best items on the market for our customers.

“We are recommended installers for Ultraframe Conservatories and their Loggia and Livin Room, ‘Orangerie style’ conservatories have revolutionised the 42

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

conservatory will look like in position!”

Crendon Conservatories have their own teams of fitters and finishers skilled in a variety of trades including plastering and electrics, while Richard’s father Les is a skilled builder, carpenter and groundworker, with a wealth of conservatory experience and can be relied on for work of the highest standard.

Richard Warner

Peter Golding concept. They look and function like part of the house and are usable as an extra room all year round. They are quite different to the traditional all-glass conservatories and a real alternative to an extension, being more cost effective to construct.

“Blind technology has come a long way too. We have motorised blinds for the roof light which blend in with the ceiling to create a slicker, more stylish look while keeping the warmth in or shading from the sun.

“There are so many conservatory options available these days, it can be difficult to decide exactly what size and style is right for your home, so we have computer visualisation software which can show, in 3-D, how different designs will look in a variety of colours and materials, with different roof styles and with different numbers of panes of glass. It also helps visualise where doors would be best situated. With a photograph of the side of your home, we can even show you what the

Lightweight replacement conservatory roof “We have sourced a fabulous range of windows and doors,” says Richard. “We deal with top manufacturers, such as Solidor who make one of the best composite door ranges on the market - their Italian range is foam insulated, and their UPVC doors are available in a variety of colours with a wood grain effect which looks like painted timber. Eurocell are the market leader in UPVC framed windows

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Ultraframe, Ultraroof 380 replacement roof with downlighters and rooflights

and we stock Smart aluminium framed bi-fold doors, aluminium French doors and a lot of hardwood frames too. The aluminium can be powder finished to your required colour. We can have hardwood doors made to measure, so if you have a photograph of a door you particularly like the look of, or a sketch, we can have it made up for you and supply it fully finished and fitted with locks.

“We deal in high quality products, so they won’t be the cheapest option, but we are very competitive and aim to offer excellent value for money.”

“There are a lot of older conservatories that have good bases and brickwork,” says Peter, “but the windows and roofs are ageing, tired and not up to today’s standards, so the room is just not usable all year round. We can put a new roof on the old conservatory and totally transform the look and usability of the room.

“There are now great-looking highly insulated lightweight tiled or glass roofs, which can be fitted with an internal ceiling and downlighters and replacement side panels to completely revitalise an old conservatory and transform it into a room you can use all year round. Glass has moved on a lot in the last ten years and older conservatories don’t meet modern energy efficiency standards.

“A modern conservatory is part of the house and we will often incorporate brick piers to add a more solid appearance and open out part of the original exterior wall, so it’s totally open plan, rather than ‘outside’ and entered via a doorway or french doors from the house.

“We supply high quality, innovative, stateof-the-art products from manufacturers such as Pilkington Glass, Origin Bifold Doors, and Ultraframe.

“Crendon Conservatories is a small and friendly, family company with our own in-house fitting team. Your project is really

important to us and will be managed by Richard personally and we are local should you need to talk about the project or for any aftersales care. We’re always happy to chat over ideas - there’s no ‘pressure sales’ here, we are relaxed and informal, there’s no rush, we’ll give you information and advice and then you go away and decide what you’d like to do in your own time.”

Crendon Conservatories are FENSA registered, part of The Glass and Glazing Federation and their work is covered with a 10 year, insurance-backed guarantee.

If you are thinking of extending your home or replacing windows or doors, pop in for a chat with Peter, Kate or Richard. They can help with ideas, designs and drawings and will even sort out, free of charge, any planning permission or building regulation approvals required, or a ‘Certificate of Lawful Development’ to show you didn’t need planning permission.

They are happy to visit you at your home or you can visit them in Thame, the new office is easy to find and there’s plenty of free parking right outside by The Swan Hotel. l Crendon Conservatories, 3 Swan Walk, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3HN Telephone: 01844 216655 E-mail: info@crendonconservatories.co.uk Web: www.crendonconservatories.co.uk Showroom open: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016 43

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l

Column: ‘Kiss & tell’ with Tracy Kiss

Better safe than sorry

W

hen it comes to security I’m pretty OCD; as a single parent I’ve spent many sleepless nights jumping at the sound of my cat knocking over a bin in the early hours and trembling beneath my duvet. I wouldn’t say that I was overly paranoid about burglars, more conscious of the fact that I want to keep my family safe and when it comes to home security prevention is most definitely the first form of defence against intruders of any intention.

So I called Securitech Alarms who are based in Aylesbury and work across the UK and Europe installing commercial and domestic alarm systems. After a quick chat on the phone a friendly engineer came to my house to size up and identify which system would be most suitable for my needs.

Seeing as I have two young children, a cat and dog I needed a security system that wouldn’t set off false alarms every ten minutes and deprive myself and neighbours

Tracy’s new alarm system is controlled via a digital keypad of sleep. The engineer quickly identified the key areas to cover with passive infra red movement sensors and door contacts that are pet immune and allow the animals to get up for a sip of water or to nibble on their biscuits without Scotland Yard beating down my door.

I’ve spent years perfecting my home interior and the thought of ripping up carpets and channelling cables into walls or trunking them across my wooden floors made me twitch, but I was pleased to hear that all of the sensors are wireless,

which is a quick and convenient way to install an entire system in just one hour. The system allows for up to thirty zones to be designated and to detect shock, movement and windows and doors opening, as well as integrated smoke and CO2 alarms. It can also cover sheds, garages and outbuildings up to 150m away. Extra zones can be added at a later date if necessary with no disruption or re-wiring.

Unsurprisingly the majority of break-ins happen when homes are left vacant during working hours, in remote areas, at night, when families are away on holiday or leading up to the Christmas period, when expensive gifts are left temptingly wrapped in view of windows.

Whether you’re old or young, vulnerable or fearless, single or married, in an exclusive area or somewhere with a high crime rate we will always be a target for thieves and in my eyes having a security system in my home is invaluable. I can now sleep

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Tracy Kiss

Kiss & tell soundly at night now knowing that my family are protected against intruders and my home is safe and secure each time that I go out.

My alarm was supplied and installed by Securitech Alarms of 60-61 Rabans Close, Aylesbury HP19 8RS. Tel: 0800 699 0134 www.securitechalarms.com l Read Tracy’s blog at: www.tracykiss.com or follow her on: Twitter: @misstracykiss or Facebook: /TheTracyKiss

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Alfresco, a way of life Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

45

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Naomi MacKay

A new season begins M

Foxgloves

uch as I enjoy summer, there’s something lovely about autumn the mornings become a little crisper, it’s nicer to take a walk or work in the garden with a little bit of a chill in the air - and there’s that new term, back-toschool feeling.

Autumn is the ideal time to look at any borders that have got out of control and decide how you can get them back in shape. Our front garden is a case in point.

When we moved in more than five years ago, we dug up the gravel and planted lots of lovely cottage garden favourites - honeysuckle and jasmine to clamber over the picket fence at the front, ferns, hostas and foxgloves to sit under the pear tree, and then a sprinkling of plants that we picked up on our travels - beautiful royal blue iris, pink malvas, and spring favourites such as primroses.

But over time - and as we have found ourselves busier with

Euphorbia work and family commitments, we haven’t kept on top of the garden as we should have and some things have just overrun - the Euphorbia epithymoides, which

has lovely acid-green flowers in spring - has conducted something of a military coup - spreadings its invading children wherever and whenever there is a space - and

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

the ever-faithful hardy geraniums will overtake everything given half a chance. In spring we are also overwhelmed by aquilegias - lovely though they are, I don’t want them all over the garden.

And marvellous though it is to see your plants thriving, the problem is that anything that is not quite so vigorous can get overrun until one day you turn around and wonder where it went.

So now is the time to set it to rights. This is the perfect time to dig up perennials and divide them.

If you don’t do this you find that the plant becomes a huge mass of leaves with a few flowers dotted about - or the inside of the plant just dies away, leaving you with an odd-shaped plant.

Splitting plants is simple, but can require a bit of muscle power, so if you have a large plant, enlist someone to help you. You can do this with all herbaceous perennials that form clumps, including ornamental grasses. Hostas, delphiniums and euphorbias are just a few examples.

Summer-flowering plants can be divided in autumn, springflowering ones should be tackled

in the summer after they flower.

Lift plants out gently and gradually using a garden fork, and then shake the earth off the roots.

Some plants can be divided by hand as they produce little plantlets - ajuga is one example.

Plants such as hostas and heuchera, which have fibrous roots, can be pulled apart gently.

You can then replant each clump.

For larger plants, use two garden forks pushed through the crown sitting back to back and use them to lever the plant apart. You may need to cut woody crowns or fleshy roots apart with a knife or spade.

The resulting plants can be put back in the ground - or, if you want them to get a bit bigger before planting in the garden, or feel the ground is too wet or cold, plant in pots and overwinter them.

Whatever method - ensure they don’t dry out.

If you end up with lots of plants, now’s the ideal time to swap with friends and neighbours so you all get new plants for nothing!

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We provide tailor-made solutions for your fencing, patio and gardening needs, whether it’s a quick repair, a substantial boundary fence installation, or a landscaping project.

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Continued on page 48

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47

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

l Column ‘In the Garden’ with

Hyacinth Continued from page 47 That right bulb moment!

Autumn is also the time to start planting bulbs - and as you’re busy sorting out the borders, it’s a good time to do some bulb planting if you can. If not, I think bulbs in planters are great - you can move them around the garden at will pop them by the front door if you have special visitors, or brighten up a patch of the garden that looks particularly dull.

Spring bulbs such as hyacinth, crocus and daffodils should really be planted by the end of September - but I’ve planted into October

Naomi MacKay

Crocus

with no ill-effects - probably best avoided if the ground is particularly wet and cold though, so be guided by the weather.

Crocosmia, alliums and lilies can be planted through October, while tulips are best put in the ground in November. l Naomi MacKay is a Buckinghamshire-based freelance writer and editor who specialises in gardens. She also helps small businesses get their message to potential clients using websites, blogs, social media and more traditional printed products.

Email: naomimackay@gmail.com

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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l

Column: Lucy Ellis ‘Animal Magic’

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Nights are drawing in I

t seems as though we’ve barely had a summer, but sadly the nights are already starting to draw in and before long the clocks will go back an hour. There are a number of preparations you can consider to help both your pets and local wildlife as the season changes.

Taking your dog out for an evening walk becomes a bit more challenging as the light fades, but there are plenty of things you can do to stay safe in the dark.

It is important for you and your four-legged friend to always be seen, particularly if you are walking along a busy road. Light coloured clothing and reflective strips are sensible choices for you, and make sure you carry a torch as dusk descends rapidly.

Your dog can also be kitted out to be visible with any number of options from a high vis jacket or reflective collar, harness and lead set, to a light up collar or light attachment which can be set to steady or flashing to keep track of

the chill before you resort to turning the central heating back on, they might appreciate a special heat mat which not only offers a comfy warm spot, it also reflects their own heat back at them. When you finally do turn on the heating, you could treat your puss to a snuggly radiator bed as cats love their creature comforts.

During the autumn you may find fewer birds visiting LED collar and lead your garden in search of food as the natural reserves of seeds and berries are found him even off lead. in abundance. While you won’t need Unique Pets offers a wide range to top up feeders regularly, it is of safety accessories, but also important to refresh your offering stocks a line of glow in the dark and make sure you always have balls so that you and your dog can some seeds and nuts so that the still have fun even when the light birds routinely visit your garden. fades.

This way they will return once the As the sun sets, so the winter sets in for good and benefit temperature drops and you may also find that you need to keep your from a valuable source of food.

Don’t forget about hedgehogs dog warm with a lightweight coat, as this period is critical for them jumper or gilet. to build up as much fat reserves as If any of your pets start feeling

Lucy Ellis

Animal Magic possible so that they can survive the winter. By creating a small hole in your garden perimeter you can help hogs roam overnight in their ongoing quest to find food, while a bundle of straw or hay under a dry shed, thick hedge or by a log pile can provide a suitable hibernation station. For hedgehog food and a ready-made hogitat, as well as advice on how to look after your nocturnal visitors, visit Unique Pets or contact Tiggywinkles. l Lucy Ellis is a writer and blogger who

with Jenna Tomlins runs Unique Pets, a local, independent pet shop offering individual advice for pets, two grooming salons, dog training and a pet photography studio. www.uniquepets.co.uk

106xx out of the dog house a5 1pp 2 25/10/2013 10:40 Page 1

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Call: Sara-Jayne 07599 333182 www.sjpoochieparlour.co.uk Towersey/Thame area

Call 01296 706403 or pop into shop to book your grooming appointment Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

49

l

Column: Down to business with Philippa Batting

Tourism good for county

W

hen you last took a countryside walk or popped in to a local café for afternoon tea you probably weren’t thinking to yourself: this is a great tourism spot. You were simply taking a stroll or grabbing a bite to eat.

But the green fields, eateries, pubs, historic houses and shops across Buckinghamshire do make up the tourism offer of the county and are exactly what entices people from further away to take a day trip or short break here.

Tourism is important for our local economy because within the sector in Buckinghamshire are 2,300 businesses employing 16,000 people, with more than £400million spent locally as a result of the 10 million day trips and 1.1m overnight stays in Buckinghamshire.

These numbers are dependent on the quality, diversity and uniqueness of the accommodation offer, attractions and places to eat and drink in the county. This is why I always love hearing what

Coombe Hill

people’s favourite places are in Buckinghamshire, because it gives me an insight into why tourists come here and where they like spending their time and money.

I’d love to hear from anyone reading this what your favourite places are in the county. If you asked me for mine I’d say the Monument at Coombe Hill, which is beautiful National Trust land open to the public near Wendover, where I have spent many an hour

sitting and enjoying the view; West Wycombe, in particular the Hellfire Caves where I had my first job working in the café; and in fact the whole of the Chilterns, which has a special appeal for me now that I’ve ridden a good deal of it on horseback.

One person’s favourite place in Buckinghamshire can be so different from another’s, purely because of the vast range of outstanding places to go and things to do. If you’d like to know more about what’s on offer in the county have a look at the brand new Visit Buckinghamshire website, which is the place to go to get the best overview of all that Buckinghamshire has to offer as a visitor destination.

If you are planning a break, visitbuckinghamshire.org should be the first stop on your journey.

If you run an accommodation business, coffee shop, brewery, pub, restaurant, shop, or any kind of daytime or night time attraction, you can promote it on the website

Philippa Batting Down to business

to over 20,000 visitors who look at the website each month for inspiration on what to do and where to stay in Buckinghamshire.

If you’re inspired to get your business listed, contact Charlotte Walker at charlotte@ visitbuckinghamshire.org.

And let me know your favourite places to go in Buckinghamshire by sending an email to philippa@ visitbuckinghamshire.org l Philippa Batting is MD of Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF). Based in Saunderton, BBF works to support and facilitate success within the business community and to create a dynamic environment in which local business can flourish.

Membership is free - visit: www.bbf.uk.com for more details.

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

BNI Heritage is one of the friendliest networking groups in the area. They also take great pride in recognising and rewarding their members, especially those who give outstanding contributions to the group. Here they focus on two such members, Jennifer Bird and Melinda Goodwin...

O

nce again we are delighted to showcase two of our members and the services they offer. First up is Melinda Goodwin, owner of Mighty Snowbear Design, Mel is an awardwinning graphic designer based in Aylesbury Vale. Mel has been a member of Heritage for over a year and in the last 6 months has passed 40 referrals to fellow members, and been thanked for close to £5,000 worth of business.

Jennifer Bird is the chapter’s resident copywriter and Power Team Coordinator. Jen runs Bird’s Words Copywriting, specialising in

Melinda Goodwin Mighty Snowbear Design “Mighty Snowbear Design is a graphic design agency that designs all things visual. We help build your brand through designing your logo, brand identity, print, or website.

BNI Heritage Aylesbury members meet weekly for a networking breakfast at Aylesbury College SEO copy for websites.

In the last 6 months Jen has been thanked for nearly £19,000 worth of business, and introduced 11 new visitors into the group.

Here’s how BNI Heritage has worked for

“Growing your business or got a new service or product to sell? We can help.

“Our expertise lies within branding and identity, website design, displays and events, printed business cards, flyers, and brochures.

“We have competitive rates and are pleased to be able to offer a comprehensive agency service with our associate web developers, photographers, copywriters and much more!

“I have worked with high-end clients such as Shell UK, BP and Buckinghamshire County Council, and now this experience is used to help many small and medium sized businesses who are looking for more sophisticated looking communications at local prices.

“I have been a member of BNI Heritage for just over a year now, and I’ve found that it has become an integral part of my

Jennifer Bird Bird’s Words “Bird’s Words has been providing companies and individuals with quality written content for nearly six years. We specialise in

both Mel and Jen...

l BNI Heritage Aylesbury Contact: Ross Batting, Tel: 01844 291430 Email: heritageleadership@emaildodo.com Website: www.bni.co.uk

marketing strategy. Having what is effectively 27 salespeople all trying to find work for you is priceless, and as much of my work comes from word of mouth referrals anyway, BNI is a fantastic way of zoning in on what works for my business, and generating even more!

“I would recommend BNI to anyone looking to grow their business and gain more contacts. Whether they are just starting out, or are part of a fully established business, BNI helps them all.” l Contact Mel at Mighty Snowbear Design, First Floor Barclays House, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury,, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8DB Tel: 01296 821264 Email: design@mightysnowbear.com Web: www.mightysnowbear.com

search engine optimisation (SEO) content for websites and online platforms, but also provide offline content for items such as flyers, brochures, event stands, and product information. As well as content creation we are highly experienced in editing and proofreading – perfect for when you have the content already and just need a second pair of eyes to check over it.

“When I decided to concentrate on Bird’s Words full time, I realised I had very few contacts in the local area and wasn’t sure how I should go about growing my business and getting my name out there. I decided to do a bit of networking and soon became introduced to BNI through a friend. As soon as I visited Heritage I knew it was the group for me as it

was so friendly and welcoming - not all ‘men in suits’ or ‘ladies that lunch’ as some networking events can be.

“I’ve been a member of Heritage for nearly two years now, and during that time have had many roles and responsibilities. The group works so well because everybody is there with the same goals; to make money, make new contacts, and help the rest of the group do the same. With a reputation of being one of the friendliest BNI groups in the country, it’s easy to see why Heritage is constantly growing in numbers. l Contact Jen at Bird’s Words Tel: 01296 532 042 Email: info@birdswords.co.uk Web: www.birdswords.co.uk Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

51

l

Column: Small World with Robyn Bourne

Avoiding blue butterflies

T

here have been big changes all round for me since last time I wrote this column.

No longer am I working for the Federation of Small Businesses, I am now poacher turned game keeper and have set up my own business.

Getting back into the swing of being my own boss again has made me realise I could do with brushing up on some of my skills - in management, leadership, and direction. I don’t want to be just running a business, I want to be that successful business leader who knows exactly what she is doing.

I took a look at the myriad of books available - too many to choose from. I was then lucky enough to be invited to a number of sessions with world class speakers and, as if that wasn’t enough, I have been able to work with some of the countries leading CEOs in a confidential meeting space, to share areas of concern that we have all had.

However, in the end, it was one simple book that gave me the breakthrough I was looking for and I have been working through it - ‘Unstoppable’

by Pete Wilkinson.

For me it is doing wonders. I

have assessed what wastes my time, what my skills are, what I need to spend time on, what I would like to do and what I should delegate. I have come up with my ‘crystal clear vision’ and I am trying my best to avoid ‘chasing blue butterflies’ (those things that happen during the day and divert us from what we need to be doing) And the best thing about all of this is I haven’t had to spend thousands on training courses, I just bought the book (with the audio edition as well) and took a few hours to work out what I want from my life.

I have one really clear vision, three core objectives that will get me there and each objective has five actions to ensure that I stay on track - it’s cunningly called the 1-35 action plan!

To say it is liberating might sound twee - but for someone like me, who has been bumbling along in the right direction but not sure of the absolute destination, it has been a revelation and I am loving having a

Robyn Bourne Small World

focus.

It enables me to say no to things if they won’t help me achieve my goals. I know 100% where I want to be, and I’ve set a date to be there. My three objectives will get me there and the five actions for each gives me a weekly incentive to meet my deadlines.

It has been a long time since I have invested in developing me, and for the cost of a book and a few hours of my time, it really is turning out to be one of my better investments. l Robyn Bourne runs her own business, Bourne to Organise, helping businesses to focus, plan and implement strategy, ensuring the organisation gets positive, tangible results.

fieldstead insolvency Debt problems?

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52

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Permitted Development investment

I

t is estimated that around 250,000 sq ft of office buildings within Aylesbury town centre have been bought for conversion to residential under the permitted development legislation, which has just been renewed by the Government.

Various buildings including Alton House Office Park, Ringwood House, Kingfisher House, Lincoln’s Inn, Herron

to let

House and Ardenham Lane House have been bought recently by investors / developers looking to capitalise on the changes in legislation.

Rental levels are so low for offices in Aylesbury, it is not surprising that developers are buying up redundant stock within the town centre. Prime office rents in Aylesbury are probably somewhere in the order of £15 / £16 per

4 Temple Street, Aylesbury 1st Floor 632 sq ft / Annexe 1,477 sq ft

The Gatehouse, Aylesbury Available from 2,000 to 7,642 sq ft

Newly refurbished offices, located on the ground floor of ‘The Gatehouse’.

Accommodation provides high quality air conditioned offices, full access raised floors throughout, excellent on-site parking and pleasant landscaped gardens.

To Let

(Joint Agents with Bray Fox Smith).

Sunley House Office Suites, Aylesbury: from approx 2,000 sq ft

The 3rd and 4th floor office suites at Sunley House are available on flexible terms.

The open plan office space and common areas have/will be refurbished to a high standard.

Amenities include: good on site parking and passenger lifts to the four floors.

The offices are within

To Let Units 5 & 6 Chiltern Court, Chesham

Available from 2,573 sq ft to 5,146 sq ft

The properties are available as a whole or in part.

Chiltern Court is a specialised office scheme developed by Balfour Beatty and London Wiltshire Estates during the early 1990s.

These modern offices IT in-situ, partitioned office, benefit from Cat 2 lighting, boardroom, carpeting, four WCs perimeter trunking, and two kitchen areas.

Newly refurbished, self-contained 1st Floor Offices with Annexe Accommodation, in excellent town centre location.

The property benefits from gas fired central heating, male and female WCs and a kitchenette.

(Joint Agents with Aitchison Raffety).

To Let

sq ft compared to High Wycombe at £24 per sq ft, Watford at £25 per sq ft, Oxford at £26 per sq ft and places such as Amersham and Beaconsfield are about £24 / £25 per sq ft. Interestingly there is still little demand from office users for larger space from 5,000 sq ft upwards.

For further details on Permitted Development please call Alan Chandler on: 01296 398 383.

easy walking distance of the town centre and rail and bus stations.

For sale Unit C6 Brunel Gate, Aylesbury Approx 6,696.00 sq ft or to let A high bay warehouse located in a prominent position on Brunel Gate.

Steel frame construction, 7m eaves height, electronic loading doors, secure site, security shutter, personnel door, first floor offices with Cat 2 lighting, reception area,

For sale or to let

kitchen and disabled WC.

5 Midshires Business Park Aylesbury: approx 2,427 sq ft

1st Floor Open Plan Office Suite available within The Midshires Business Park development of 2-storey, steel portal frame construction, business units.

The property benefits from: nine on-site car parking spaces, air-conditioning/comfort cooling, WC facilities and a landscaped environment.

The Business Park is close to Fairford Leys Village Centre

which has restaurants, pub, a fitness centre, shops, dentist, supermarket etc.

Call our Aylesbury Team - Alan Chandler and Terri Clarke on: 01296 398383 Lettings | Acquisitions | Investments | Valuations | Property Management Rent Reviews and Lease Renewals | Development / Planning Advice | Business Rates

A new perspective on property

www.chandlergarvey.com

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Don’t just meet - be inspired!

A

mong the foothills of Aylesbury Vale, in the picturesque village of Long Crendon, you’ll find The Lodge - a hidden gem set within a working livestock farm The College Farm.

The Lodge boasts stunning uninterrupted views across the beautiful 400 acre farm and offers an imposing and adaptable space, able to accommodate a range of different meetings.

One side door opens onto a patio area that just invites visitors to step outside and soak up the view.

Doors on the opposite side lead out to an enclosed sensory garden which has been specially designed to allow disabled access and is planted with a range of highly sensory plants.

The large airy meeting room has a high ceiling, exposed brickwork and impressive beams and can host up to 50 people. Fully equipped with a projector, screen, flip chart, pens, paper and WiFi it has everything you could need for a

Trina and Shamus successful meeting.

The Lodge’s fully fitted kitchen, makes it very adaptable and a range of catering options are available for guests, from home made biscuits to enjoy with a tea or coffee, to a freshly prepared two course meal.

Owner Claire Morris has an ethos of only using local, seasonal and first class ingredients at all times. Beef and lamb are produced on the farm, honey comes from the farm’s own hives, apple juice from

trees growing on the farm, and vegetables are supplied by awardwinning local growers Bucksum, who are also based in Long Crendon.

The Lodge offers a chance to escape the confines of the office and come to a truly inspiring venue.

Do you have needs for training, workshops or idea generation?

Shop online and let us deliver to your door

Come to the farm and let the beautiful surroundings inspire you. You can even combine your meeting with some team building - clay pigeon shooting lessons also take place on the farm (www. go-clayshooting.co.uk). The farm can also offer camp fire cooking opportunities with a trained Forest School Leader.

If you would like a chance to see the Lodge for yourself, The College Farm is holding an Open afternoon on Thursday 6th October from 2.30pm to 7pm where you will receive a warm welcome and refreshments.

Please contact Claire Morris on: 07503 212468 or email: info@ thecollegefarm.co.uk for further information. l The College Farm, Long Crendon Aylesbury, Bucks, HP18 9AP Tel: 01844 201562 Email: info@thecollegefarm.co.uk Web: www.thecollegefarm.co.uk

FREE delivery Minimum spend £60 applies

in store | online | mobile Terms & Conditions: Minimum spend of £60 applies on online grocery deliveries. Minimum spend of £40 applies on Click & Collect in-store collections. Selected postcodes. Subject to availability.

Free delivery excludes our shop in branch service. Details correct at time of going to print.

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Win tickets to see the Spanish Riding School of Vienna 450th anniversary tour

T

he world’s oldest and most famous equestrian academy celebrated its 450th anniversary in 2015.

Considered Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2010, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna continues to delight both connoisseurs and newcomers to horsemanship almost half a millennium since its foundation in 1565.

To celebrate this landmark anniversary, the Spanish Riding School of Vienna returns to the UK in November for six exclusive shows in London and Birmingham hosted by TV presenter and British Dressage Ambassador, Nicki Chapman.

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna is the only institution worldwide where classical equitation in the Renaissance tradition of the haute école is still cultivated. Many years of training fuse horse and rider into an inseparable unit. Audiences are treated to an unforgettable experience by the precision of movement of the Lipizzan horses in perfect harmony with the music.

All of their famous in-hand work

and movements above the ground will be performed including the Capriole, an upward leap made without going forward and with a backward kick of the hind legs at the height of the leap, the Levade in which the stallion puts its entire weight on its hind legs and raises its front legs no more than 45 degrees and Courbette where the horse raises its forehand off the

ground, tucks up forelegs evenly, and jumps forward in a series of ‘hops’...

The Lipizzan lineage dates back to the 16th century, when it was developed exclusively by Habsburg monarchy. The breed is a cross between Spanish, Arabic and Berber horses. Estimates put the number of Lipizzaners worldwide at less than 3,000. Only 70 are trained to the

demanding standards of the Spanish Riding School at any one time. The institution has long been a favourite of royalty. Our Queen is a lifelong fan - and among the few women to have riden one of the thoroughbreds.

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna comes to SSE Arena Wembley, London from 11-13 November and Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham from 18th-20th November. For performance times, tickets and further information visit: www.livenation.co.uk and www.spanishridingschoollive.com If you’d like the chance to win one of three pairs of tickets we have to attend the Sunday 13th November - SSE Arena Wembley - 3PM performance simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Who won Individual Dressage Olympic Gold for Great Britain at the Rio Olympics this Summer?

Winners to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 28th, 2016. l www.spanishridingschoollive.com

Ruth’s garden was her life.

Dahlias. Peonies. Fuscias. Sweet peas.

Friends said her garden was a rainbow.

So we helped her family to decorate the church with flowers from Ruth’s own garden.

The church looked particularly colourful that day.

And afterwards, everyone took a flower home.

Inc. Heritage & Sons

Because every life is unique Winslow 01296 713 341 • Amersham 01494 434 484 Aylesbury 01296 428 638 • Bletchley 01908 372 700 Buckingham 01280 813 188 • Wendover 01296 620 777 www.cpjfield.co.uk

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Music Column:

Turn it up! with Dan Mordente

Alternative

Aylesbury Our music columnist is Dan Mordente. Dan is ‘Artist and Events Manager’ at BFS Records, and as an avid follower of the local music scene, is always keen to meet and work with enthusiastic local musicians.

Contact Dan and email him local gigs and music news on: dan@vale-life.co.uk List your gigs on our what’s on diary at: www.vale-life.co.uk

A

ylesbury Alternative Music Society (AAMS) has launched a monthly alternative club night to take place on the last Friday of the month at Mango, Aylesbury.

Live Music september 23 Renee Sears & The Jazz Set,

The Chequers Inn, Weston Turville 24 The Brahmas,

Victoria Club, Aylesbury 30 Leech, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 30 The New Foundations,

Shootpool, Aylesbury 30 Bitterroot,

The Swan, Great Kimble 30 Papa Truck, The Dashwood Arms,

West Wycombe october 1st Juan More,

Victoria Club, Aylesbury 1st Muso, The Green Man, Aylesbury 1st A Little Bit Country,

Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 1st Underground Frequences,

Aristocrat, Aylesbury 7th Sinfiction, Shootpool, Aylesbury 7th O’Hooley & Tidow,

Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 7th SledgeHammer, George &

Dragon, Princes Risborough 7th Rob (from Bustin’ Loose),

Aristocrat, Aylesbury 8th StealWorks,

Victoria Club, Aylesbury 8th The Lynch Mob, The Dashwood

Arms, West Wycombe 8th Devestation, The Whiteleaf Cross,

Princes Risborough 8th John Otway Big Band,

Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 9th The Cherry Valentines,

Victoria Club, Aylesbury 12th Nick Zala-Webb,

The Oak, Aston Clinton 14th Bruiser, Victoria Club, Aylesbury 14th Something Else,

The Swan Hotel, Thame 14th Back In 4,

Victoria Club, Aylesbury 15th Hustler, Shootpool, Aylesbury 15th NNU Music, The Dashwood Arms,

West Wycombe

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

AAMS Spokesperson, Matas Mykolas Mazas said “Our town needs this. We have enough club nights that focus on chart and dance music. There is a total absence of nightlife for anyone interested in anything other pop tunes.

“At our events the AAMS committee and I are the DJs and we take requests. We also try to get a guest DJ in every month; people from the local area who would like to throw down some tracks themselves. It’s a step towards being more involved with the society, which is something that we actively encourage.”

So far AAMS have run two very successful events in July and August with more than 100 attending each event. A third is lined up for September 23rd and plans are underway for a mega party for Hallowe’en. Twitter:@AYAltSoc 15th Soul Night,

The Aristocrat, Aylesbury 15th Mouth On A Stick, The Bird In

Hand, Princes Risborough 15th Ska Souls,

Aylesbury RFC, Aylesbury 16th Sinfiction,

Aylesbury RFC, Aylesbury 21st Incognito, Shootpool, Aylesbury 21st The Sharpees,

Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 22nd The Reggulaters,

The Queens Head, Aylesbury 22nd The Brahmas,

Shootpool, Aylesbury 22nd Yes Please!

Limelight Theatre, Aylesbury 26th Nick Zala-Webb,

The Oak, Aston Clinton

Festival festival!

A

s summer draws to a close we wave goodbye to what has been a fantastic festival season. We have seen some fantastic established acts visit Aylesbury Vale and the surrounding areas, as well as being presented with previously unseen local talent.

In this edition of Vale Life, I take a look at some of the highlights from this years summer music festivals.

July saw the return of Penn Festival, a relatively new festival that features an eclectic line up of popular names for all ages.

2016’s festival was headlined by rock band – Ocean Colour Scene and mid-noughties, ‘Dance Wiv Me’ singer, Dizzee Rascal. Other notable daytime sets included Ms Dynamite, De La Soul, Toploader, Chas and Dave, Soul II Soul and Rizzle Kicks. Penn Fest made sure to share the spotlight with less established acts from the local area, with Oxford-based pop-rock band - Leader – treating the crowd to a brilliant main stage performance. Penn Fest in undoubtedly one of the biggest festivals that our local scene has to offer and tickets are now on sale for 2017’s event, which will take place on 21-22nd July, 2017. www.pennfest.co.uk Towersey Festival returned for its 52nd year and once again it didn’t disappoint. Having moved from Towersey play fields to Thame Showground in 2015, the festival has seen a lot of changes in the past few years, however it seems to get better and better each year, with a more diverse range of activities provided to cater for all ages. From hula-hoop classes to jam sessions, you’re never short of something to do at Towersey however essentially, the festival is all about the music and this year stand out highlights included political singer-songwriter, Billy Bragg and young, folk-inspired party band – Rusty Shackle – who lovingly declared Thame their second home as they took to the stage on Friday afternoon. www.towerseyfestival.com

Sunset over Towersey festival

Slightly further afield was Oxford’s Truck Festival which boasts a more alternative-indierock line up of acts. This year’s festival was headlined by Catfish and the Bottlemen, Manic Street Preachers and Kodaline with other highlights coming from Jurrassic 5, Mystery Jets and Sundara Karma. As always Truck Festival doesn’t undervalue the importance of rising talent and they dedicate a whole stage to showcasing the best local acts. The Virgins and Veterans stage had 3 full days of acts programmed, hand selected

by BBC Introducing in Oxford, the team behind one of Oxford’s best venues – The Bullingdon, and the team responsible for Truck Festival.

Local talent included Oxford’s Homeplanetearth, Too Many Poets and Thame’s Haze. www. truckfestival.com Aylesbury’s Parklife Weekend returned this year, taking place on the August Bank Holiday Weekend at Vale Park. The family-friendly event featured entertainment from a variety of local performers. Acts included young pop-rock bands Callow Saints and Lost Minute as well as cover crowd-pleasing cover bands, The Dung Beatles and Bustin’ Loose. The event was headlined by Ska Souls UK and it also featured a second stage with acoustic acts including Paul Jackson, Evette Judge and Lucy Mair. www.aylesburytowncouncil. gov.uk/event/parklife-weekend/ With Autumn upon us, festival season draws to a close for another year. What will next year bring!?

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

XYZ Music Academy has opened a new music school in the heart of Aylesbury. It’s conveniently situated in the old town above Aylesbury Music just yards from Market Square and best of all - there are free taster sessions on offer...

Josh takes a keyboard class in the main XYZ classroom above Aylesbury Music

Drum lesson with Duncan

X

YZ Music Academy at Westcott, near Waddesdon, is a multi-purpose music facility where musicians of all abilities can go to learn, rehearse, record and perform. It was founded two years ago by brothers Duncan and Michael Lee - a natural progression from Duncan’s ‘Dunx Drum School’ - launched at the same location in 2011.

Now the brothers have branched out with a second smaller facility in the centre of Aylesbury - upstairs at Aylesbury Music on Temple Street (www.amusic.co.uk), where they are now offering group and individual tuition in guitar, keyboards, ukelele and drums.

“We’ve got our own entrance, from the alleyway to the side of Aylesbury Music,” says Duncan. “and upstairs there’s enough space for a sizeable drum/keyboards room and a smaller guitar room for group lessons plus a cosy individual tuition room.

“We’re initially running the school in Aylesbury on three days a week - Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and offering group or one-to-one lessons in keyboards, drums, ukelele and guitar. The groups are only small numbers, between four and six usually, so are

Guitar lesson with Seb additional advice.

“We are also teaching ukelele, which you can try out and then buy one in the music shop downstairs if you like the idea!”

Back at the XYZ Academy in Westcott a major refurbishment has just been completed, so there are now two deluxe rehearsal rooms and two The XYZ team with Danny of Aylesbury Music) from left: live rooms in addition to the teaching Michael, Danny, Duncan, Josh, Max and Seb facilities and recording studios.

If you would prefer to have lessons extremely good value (£12.50-£15 per lesson), in school time then XYZ offer instrument which is less than half the cost of a one-tolesson at several schools throughout one lesson. Most lessons are booked as a half Buckinghamshire. Get in touch for details on term block, see www.xyzmusicacademy.com the schools they are associated with. for more details of courses and costs.

To find out more about XYZ Music “We offer a free taster session for those Academy and lessons at Aylesbury or who would like to come and see what we do Westcott see: www.xyzmusicacademy.com or wish to try a new instrument.

“Josh is our keyboard specialist, Seb teaches l XYZ Music Academy, Aylesbury Music, guitar, Max and I teach drums and Michael 3 Temple St, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 2RN teaches guitar, bass and vocals. We are flexible Tel: 01296 655929 on musical styles and ability levels and also E: admin@xyzmusicacademy.com whether you want to play for fun or to take W: www.xyzmusicacademy.com exam grades. All the teachers are experienced players who are not only accomplished on l XYZ Music Academy, Building 14, Westcott their instrument but also in performing, Venture Park, Westcott, HP18 0XB Contact details as above. gigging and recording, so can offer lots of Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Toes are sure to get a-tapping this Autumn at the Waterside with live music from some of the industry’s greatest touring acts and tribute shows, alongside a nostalgic, feel-good musical...

T

he mellow fruitfulness of Autumn Save The Last Dance For Me is upon us and with it a harvest Mon 3rd - Sat 8th October festival of musical delights, so whether they are blue suede shoes, platforms, winkle-pickers, DMs, stilettos, pumps or flip flops, dig out your dancing shoes and get ready to party!

Paying homage to the swinging 60s, Save The Last Dance For Me (Mon 3rd to Sat 8th Oct) is sure to launch October in super swinging style, as we’re transported back to music’s golden era.

Featuring Antony Costa from boy band Blue, and X Factor finalist Lola Saunders amongst the talented cast of West End performers, you’ll be able to experience Antony Costa a nostalgic celebration with smash hits including A Teenager in Love, Sweets For My Sweet and Viva Las Vegas among many others. Written by TV’S mosttalented writers, Marks and Gran (Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart and many more), this is a tale of love, adrenalin and songs that set the world on fire.

Give A Little Love and Remember to join Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers Herman’s Hermits Chris Farlowe Hermits, The (Sun 2nd Oct) as they voyage back to Sensational 60s Experience Sensational 60s Experience Swinging Blue Thur, 13th October Thur, 13th October the 1970s to perform the original material that Jeans, The catapulted them into the pop charts.

Fortunes, The Ivy With more than 40 top hit singles under Another musical offering not-to-be-missed League and New Amen Corner, alongside their belt and an impressive 100 million is the return of Sensational 60s (Thu 13th host Alan Mosca from Freddie and the records sold, UB40 (Mon 24th Oct), are one Oct). Seven legendary names are taking to the Dreamers. of the most successful British groups of all stage including Chris Farlowe, Herman’s time. Taking to the stage with Robin and Duncan Campbell on lead vocals, the gig Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers Sunday, October 2nd will feature all of their ever-popular songs.

Swapping Celebrity Masterchef for the stage, Jimmy Osmond brings his awardwinning music and nostalgic show in the only official Andy Williams tribute show, Moon River and Me (Fri 14th Oct).

Plus a tributastic line-up is in store of shows celebrating some of the most iconic artists from the world of pop and rock.

The King is alive! Dust off your blue suede shoes and dig out your flares! One Night of Elvis (Sat 14th Oct) sees Lee Memphis King immerse the audience in the Vegas years, with an unbelievable combination of stunningly accurate vocals and incredible passion, while Dancing Queen (Sat 22nd Oct) treats Abba fans 58

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Sunny Afternoon: Tue, Sept 27th to Sat, Oct 1st

Dancing Queen: Sat, 22nd October

Coming up at The Waterside Your at-a-glance guide to what’s on...

Jimmy Osmond: Friday, 14th October

to a packed party show, with a side serving of 70s must-haves including Car Wash, YMCA and Boogie Nights. The theatre also welcomes its first tribute to another queen of pop with Whitney: Queen of the Night (Sun 23rd Oct).

Fancy something different? Tickets are selling fast for voice-throwing expert and ventriloquist extraordinaire Nina Conti (Tue 18th Oct), and for those with an eye for a different sort of talent… The Dreamboys are back with their action packed 2-hour show,

Nina Conti: Tuesday, 18th October

a guaranteed frenzy of fun and physiques!

Book now by visiting Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee. Calls 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge) or visit www. atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee). l Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1UG Telephone Booking: 0844 871 7607 Website: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury

UB40 with Robin & Duncan Campbell

Sunny Afternoon

Tue 27th Sept to Sat 1st Oct

Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers

Sun 2nd Oct

Save The Last Dance For Me

Mon 3rd to Sat 8th Oct

The Sensational 60s Experience

Thu 13th Oct

Jimmy Osmond

Fri 14th Oct

One Night of Elvis

Sat 15th Oct

Nina Conti

Tue 18th Oct

The Dreamboys

Wed 19th Oct

Dancing Queen

Sat 22nd Oct

Whitney Queen of the Night

Sun 23 Oct

UB40

Mon 24th Oct

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Thu 27th Oct

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Column: Sandra Smith ‘Our Creative Vale’

Nifty shades of grey!

S

tuart Feurtado claims to be a landscape photographer.

That’s true. On the other hand, he’s so much more.

At his countryside home just outside Princes Risborough I’m admiring his black and white screensaver which captures layers of Lake District peaks and highlights more tones than I thought possible in monochrome, when I spot an image of a bird of prey in flight. Its wings are fully extended, perfectly horizontal.

And this mesmerising creature is looking directly at the camera, the lens, me. It takes a photograph of Bosa Marina in Sardinia to finally divert my attention. The colourful collation of buildings epitomises the Mediterranean, its subject matter as simple as the composition is compelling.

“The town is on a volcanic cone in a large valley. I took the photograph from a quarter of a mile away at the same level,” Stuart explains.

Stuart Feurtado Despite the image’s vibrancy, colour is not this photographer’s preferred choice.

“Anything can be a colour photo but if you’re seeing something that has strong shapes and contrasts, a lot of tonal range, then I convert it to black and white so there are no distractions.”

Stuart’s photographic interest developed into a serious hobby upon retirement. Since then he

has earned Licentiateship of The Royal Photographic Society whilst valuable advice has come via membership of Princes Risborough Photographic Society.

“The key things are how to frame a picture, take my time and use the core camera functions such as aperture. I’ve also learned to be patient and wait for the right light rather than be too headstrong.

Megapixels make the camera very unforgiving but composition now comes by instinct rather than thinking about it. I tend to decide where I’m going and why, then try and capture what is in my mind though something can also leap out.

I can easily take 100 images in a day. If I went out seven days a week maybe one or two would end up on Flickr or in an exhibition.”

A selection of his latest images alongside bestsellers such as Swanage Old Pier whose lengthy exposure creates a moody, semi surreal aura, will be on display at two forthcoming exhibitions: Thame

THAME CHAMBER CHOIR Directed by

Creative Vale

Sandra Smith Art Fair (29 October) and Wendover Memorial Hall (12 November). So take the opportunity to view a range of eye catching pictures and talk to this unassuming photographer about landscapes, wildlife and, well, any subject worth capturing on camera.

For more about Stuart and his work see: www.stuart-feurtadophotography.co.uk l Find out more about Sandra

Smith’s work as a freelance writer by following her on Twitter: @TheCurrentMrsS or visiting her website: www.TheCurrentMrsSmith.co.uk

,

& THAME CHILDREN S CHOIR

Duncan Aspden present

Shakespeare inThame ?

...

Music inspired by the words of William Shakespeare, with , ' ' world premiere of The Thame Hoard by Neil Tomas Smith ,

and readings from actor Bruce Alexander

Saturday 15th October, 8pm St Mary’s Church, Thame Tickets

£12

Concessions

£10

(under 16s free)

Available on the door, through TAL Box Office, or from The Book House on Thame High St www.thamechamberchoir.org

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

www.tcc2.org

Registered Charity No. 1091186

Artists and Makers Fairs 2016 An excellent opportunity to view and buy original gifts and accessories for you and your home, directly from our collection of amazing, creative and imaginative local artists

THAME Town Hall, 0X9 3DP 29th October, 19th November & 3rd December WENDOVER Memorial Hall, Wharf Road, HP22 6HF 12th November HADDENHAM Bradmoor Farm, Stanbridge Road, HP17 8JX 10th & 11th December FREE ENTRY - Open 10AM to 4PM E: sllyevan@aol.com T: 01844 273069

Bruce Airhead

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Column: Showtime! with Shaun Nolan

Ushering in the new season

F

or me, September is the start of the new year as it’s pretty much the start of the new season in Theatreland.

Which means a lot of fantastic new shows are also popping up around the Aylesbury Vale: it’s a great time to be a fan of theatre.

This month at Tring one of my all-time favourite musicals Evita returns to the stage at the Pendley Court Theatre (4th-8th October).

Staged by Berkhamsted Theatre Company, this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic looks at the life and times of Argentina’s infamous first lady Eva Peron and her rise and fall as a woman in power. The story is gripping, the music is stunning and this company is absolutely fantastic; don’t miss this show because I won’t cry for you...

The Limelight Theatre also has a classic on its stage this month: DOT Productions perform Oscar Wilde’s The Important of Being Earnest on the evening of September 24th and if you aren’t already familiar with the piece, this production is unmissable. The

Evita is at The Court Theatre night after, new Oxfordshire writer Caroline Mitchell Rehder brings her two new plays It’s Crumpled, Needs Ironing and Presto and Clown to the Limelight stage in a double bill.

Aylesbury Waterside hosts the national tour of cult classic Dirty Dancing once more from the 19th to the 24th, before ushering in last year’s Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical Sunny Afternoon from the 27th of September to the 1st of October. I’ve seen Sunny Afternoon before at the Harold

Pinter Theatre in the West End and I loved it. It really is worthy of the ‘Best New Musical’ stamp of approval and is a fantastic night out both for those who are fans of The Kinks and fans of the theatre in general.

The West End is also enjoying an extremely wide range of openings this month to kick off their new season. Comedian David Baddiel’s show My Family (Not The Sit Com) transfers to the West End this month on September 12th for a limited season at the Vaudeville Theatre, while The Libertine starring Dominic Cooper will start performances at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on the 22nd; The Dresser also returns to the West End this month starring Ken Stott and Reece Shearsmith from October 5th at the Duke of York’s. My two top picks though are the Shakespeare Triology by Phyllida Lloyd at the new Donmar Warehouse in King’s Cross (a series of three Shakespeare plays performed in-the-round where the leads have been changed to

Shaun Nolan Showtime!

women), and Ragtime, one of my favourite musicals ever, at the Charing Cross Theatre from Oct 8th. l Shaun Nolan is a London theatre blogger who writes for a variety of publications including LondonTheatreDirect. You can find him at @shaunycat on Twitter and if you want your show mentioned in this column, tweet him and let him know!

Celebrate the festive season at Horwood House Make your festive season even more special this year. Join us for a night to remember at Horwood House Joiner parties, Private Parties and Tribute Nights from £35.95 per person New Year's Eve Gala Dinner from £125.00 per person • Quote 'Vale Life' to receive 5% discount (subject to availability, terms and conditions apply)

Contact us on 01296 722100 horwoodevents@principal-hayley.com horwoodhouse.co.uk

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Get ready to tap your feet, laugh out loud, feel inspired, hear soul-stirring stories and indulge your senses. The ever-popular Thame Arts & Literature Festival is back and about to begin...

S

ince it’s inauguration in 2009, Thame Arts & Literature Festival has attracted leading authors, artists, poets, playwrights and musicians every October to the beautiful town of Thame. Featuring talks from special guests, as well as music, drama, children’s events and an art show, the feast of culture and fun takes place in a variety of venues across the town.

Over 40 amazing events This year, TAL’s seventh Festival, you can take part in events covering literature, politics, architecture, history, biography, comedy, scriptwriting, internet dating, wine and even cake! It is 400 years since William Shakespeare ‘shuffled off this mortal coil’ and we celebrate his continuing influence with some highly amusing (and very informative) entertainment The Festival kicks off on Wednesday 12th October with a very special Gala Concert from the wonderful Roger McGough and the hugely talented LiTTLe MaCHiNe. An evening of poetry and music like you’ve never heard or seen before is definitely not to be missed!

Nicholas Parsons LiTTLe MaCHiNe

chance to win £100 book tokens.

Learn more about wines with the team from Red Bottle Wines and enjoy a champagne tasting.

For a spine-tingling evening, why not join the Ghost Walk around the haunted sites of Thame? Or just relax with tea, cake and classical music at Rumsey’s Tea Concert or Prosecco and acoustic songs at Friday Fizz at Fothergill’s bar.

TALKids includes Comic Masterclass workshops and another chance to see Disney’s Meet best-selling authors The Jungle Book on the big Hear fascinating tales from screen. Chris Lloyd returns a host of well-known authors, this time with his amazing celebrities, poets and academics, Shakespeare time-line and including Nicholas Parsons, Steve Antony will be waiting Artemis Cooper, Charlotte with Mr Panda especially for Green, Hugh Sebagour younger festival visitors.

Montefiore, Anna Pasternak, Finally, Star Trek aficionados Adrian Tinniswood and Tom won’t want to miss Marcus Paulin.

Lady Anne Heseltine Berkmann, boldly going This year’s The Book House into the murky depths of Founder’s Lecture, is ‘Thenford’ the USS Enterprise. ‘Live long and prosper’

by Lady Anne Heseltine with Marcus and his hilarious and poignant As Yvonne Maxwell, Festival Founder and retrospective of a cult genre.

Director of TAL says: “Once again we have a veritable box of delights to entertain, excite l The Thame Arts & Literature Festival runs and inspire. We encourage everyone to go to from 12th-16th October 2016. a talk they know nothing about. It can be an For full details and to book online visit: enlightening experience.”

Participate, enjoy and feel inspired Try your hand at writing and enter the Festival Short Story Competition with the

www.talfestival.org Or telephone: 0871 288 3420 (calls to this number cost 25p per minute.)

You can also buy tickets from Thame Town Hall each Tuesday, Friday and Saturday

Anna Pasternak

Hugh Seabag-Montefiore

Kev Sutherland Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

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Column: Nick Coffer ‘In the kitchen’

Valencia Paella

I

’m going a little further afield with my recipe this edition.

Juan Valverde lives in Olney but is originally from Valencia, home of traditional paella. His business, Paellas D’Olney delivers paellas to your door and he brought some true Spanish sunshine into the Weekend Kitchen studios.

He also put us straight on a couple of key things.

Firstly, paella is not difficult to make. In fact, it couldn’t be simpler and is pretty well foolproof if you follow the method below.

Secondly, paella is not bright yellow, at least not the way he was taught to make it. The ingredients include chopped tomatoes, with the end result being a marvellously “rusty”, orange and yellow hue to the finished dish.

And there was a final surprise.

With paella originally being a peasant’s meal, he added butter beans to bulk it up a little.

Whether you make this chicken version, opt for a mix of fish, chicken and shellfish or just go for a totally vegetable mix, this versatile paella can form a regular part of your family food repertoire.

In the kitchen Nick Coffer

Valencia Paella You’ll need either a paella pan or a large, flat-bottomed frying pan.

Ingredients - Serves 4 Olive oil 400g chicken portions (leg and thigh) on the bone 1 small white onion, chopped 100g runner beans, sliced 100g butter beans 200g chopped ripe tomatoes Pinch of sweet paprika 1 cube of chicken stock to make

1.2 litres of stock 400g paella rice A pinch of salt A pinch of saffron Method: Pour a good glug of oil into the pan on a medium to high heat and fry off the chicken until well browned. Add the onions and cook for a couple of minutes to soften, then chuck in the broad beans.

Throw in the tomatoes and

cook for ten minutes, then add the paprika, followed by the butter beans and stock. Bring the stock back to the boil.

Add the rice evenly across the whole pan, sprinkle in the saffron and a pinch of salt.

Cook on a high heat for ten minutes then bring the heat down and cook for a further ten minutes on a lower heat.

Leave the paella to rest for a good 5 or 10 minutes before serving at the table. l Hear wonderful recipes on Nick Coffer’s Weekend Kitchen every Sunday morning on BBC Three Counties radio at 11am. You can also join Nick weekday afternoons at midday for music plus local guests with great stories.

Farm - Butchers - PuB OPening times Tuesday - Thursday 12 to 11pm Friday - Saturday 12 to 12am Sunday - 12 to 10pm 27 Church St, Brill, Bucks, HP18 9RT 01844 238339 - info@thepointerbrill.co.uk

rr Rosettes 2016 Culinary Excellence

64

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Win a bumper AGA Shop baking pack!

T

he AGA Shop at Thame doesn’t just sell AGAs, there’s a whole host of fabulous cookwear and accessories on offer too, and not just for using in AGAs - most is for general use.

From Swiss made AGA Stainless Steel cookware to the brand new nonstick cast aluminium collection, with its scratch resistant Teflon® Platinum Plus non-stick coating, roasting tins and baking trays, baking dishes and tools, kettles, aprons, oven gloves, gauntlets, cookbooks, tea towels, chefs pads and pot grabs... AGA even have a small pet range with snuggly pet beds and stylish bowls!

When it comes to baking, nothing beats the AGA cooker. Many models have a dedicated baking oven and the unique way the AGA cooks - using radiant, kind-to-food heat - means cakes retain moisture and simply taste better.

And whether you’re new to AGA cooking or are a seasoned hand, it’s well worth taking a look at the list of demonstrations being held in the AGA Shop in Thame (see website, next demos October 15th & 20th).

The Thame shop is well stocked

with cookware and the AGA models on display include the AGA Total Control and AGA Dual Control.

Manager Heidi and her staff are friendly and knowledgeable and will be able to help with any questions you have about fitting, owning and using an AGA cooker.

“The Great British Bake Off is enthralling us all on TV at the

Have a great AGA Christmas Create a warm, welcoming home and great tasting food, for friends and family this Christmas.

moment,” says Heidi, “and we’ve got the Thame Food Festival coming up on Saturday, September 24th with The Big Thame Bake 2016 as part of the festival (prizes to be awarded on the Baking Stage from 12.151.15pm) for which people will be showing off their baking skills in a number of categories, from Victoria Sponges to Family Favourites! We

can’t wait!”

To get into the food festival baking spirit The AGA Shop Thame is offering a selection of baking related items, including an AGA apron, a copy of Cook Up A Feast by Mary Berry & Lucy Young, a Macaroon Mat, a set of baking moulds, Mary Berry’s Tips for Better Baking book and a 28” Silicon Spring, for one lucky Vale Life reader to win!

If you’d like the chance to win this bumper AGA Shop baking pack, simply email your name, address and telephone number along with the answer to the following question, to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Where is Thame’s AGA Shop located?

Winners to be drawn at random from correct entries and notified by email by Oct 28th, 2016. l AGA Thame, 10 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3ER Tel:01844 214214 Mob:07901 220102 Email: thame@aga-web.co.uk Web: www.agaliving.com Open: Monday - Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 10am-5pm, Sunday: Closed

Experience the authentic taste of India

F ine I ndian D ining

High quality dining in our historic 550-year-old ‘Old Library’ building - now recently refurbished.

01844 690446/273412 Takeaway and free local home delivery available Reservations / order online: www.radhunihp27.co.uk The Old Library, Church Street, Princes Risborough, HP27 9AA

Order your NEW AGA Cooker by 5th Nov to guarantee pre-Christmas delivery.

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Call or visit AGA Thame: 10 Upper High Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3ER 01844 214214 | thame@agarangemaster.co.uk | agaliving.com Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

65

Win a meal at The Chequers Inn

T

he Chequers Inn really is something of a ‘hidden gem’.

Tucked away in the pretty village of Weston Turville, and dating back to the 16th Century it’s a comfortable and stylish pub and restaurant with a traditional feel. In the bar there’s an ancient flagstone floor, historic beams and an open fireplace, while the restaurant area is a delightful space in which to Aberdeen Angus fillet steak, enjoy a fine dining experience. fondant potato and Owned and run by heritage carrots accomplished Chef Dritan Lani and his wife Ranka, who is an excellent Maître d’, The Chequers Inn boasts an AA Rosette restaurant which punches well above its weight. Since taking over the pub in 2010 the couple have restaurant and bar, Ranka is supported transformed the kitchens, developed by a dedicated and passionate front a fine team of chefs and front of of house team - Charlotte, Lucy, and house staff and built a reputation for Eniko. excellent modern british dining. The “We pride ourselves on sourcing the Chequers Inn is now a renowned and finest ingredients from local producers much loved eatery. and trusted suppliers who are as In the kitchen, Dritan and passionate about quality and taste as experienced Head Chef Jamie, lead we are,” says Dritan. a team of talented young chefs Food at The Chequers is prepared Junior Sous Chef Anthony, Wabi, with expertise and creativity using Gloria, Atilla, Jeri and Angus. In the some of the latest techniques

imbues ingredients with 10 perfect flavours, including Cherrywood for duck, Hay for mackerel and a combination of Maple and Earl Grey for cod. The skilful chefs are able to prepare everything they serve freshly to order and do all their own Tropical fruit sable curing and smoking.

If you’d like to be in with a chance of winning a two course a la carte meal for two with a bottle of house wine, at The Chequers Inn, simply email your name, address and telephone number, along with the answer to the following question to: editor@vale-life.co.uk Restaurant Bar How many chefs are there in and equipment and coupled with the Chequers kitchen team?

Winner to be drawn at random and the exceptional service and high standards, makes dining at The notified by email by October 30th.

Chequers a unique and special NB Prize to be taken Tue-Fri (not experience. redeemable Saturdays).

Dritan and his team are extremely proud of their facilities and approach l The Chequers Inn, 35 Church Lane to preparing food and are happy to Weston Turville, Aylesbury, welcome customers into the kitchen to Buckinghamshire, HP22 5SJ see how everything is prepared.

Tel. 01296 613298 The kitchen houses a smoker E: info@ thechequerswt.co.uk which with carefully chosen woods W: www.thechequerswt.co.uk

canaletto Authentic family-run Italian Restaurant and Public House Authentic family-run Italian Restaurant and Public House

To book, call: 01296 770251, visit us, or see our website: www.canalettorestaurant.com To book, call: 01296 770251, visit us, or see our website: www.canalettorestaurant.com

New menus recently launched!

New menus recently launched!

New menus recently launched!

Set Lunch (Tue - Sat): 2 Courses: 14.95 / 3 Courses 18.95 Set Lunch (Tue Sat): 2 Courses: 14.95 33 Courses 18.95 Lunch (Tue-Sat): 2 Courses £12.95 £15.95 Set Dinner (Tue - Thu): 2 Courses 19.95/ 3// Courses Courses 23.95 SetDinner Dinner (Tue Thu): 2 Courses 19.95 / 3 Courses Set (Tue-Thur): 2 Courses £19.95 / 3 Courses £23.95 Sun Lunch: 2 Courses 19.95 / 3 Courses 23.95 23.95 Sun Lunch: Sunday Lunch: 2 Courses 19.95 £19.95/ /33Courses Courses23.95 £22.95

Open Tue to Sun for lunch (12.00pm to 2.30pm) and Tue to Sat for dinner (6.30pm to 9.30pm) Open Tue to Sun for lunch (12.00pm to 2.30pm) and Tue to Sat for dinner (6.30pm to 9.30pm) @CanalettoKwood /CanalettoKingswood Canaletto @CanalettoKwood /CanalettoKingswood Canaletto Canaletto, Bicester Road, Kingswood, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0RB Canaletto, Bicester Road, Kingswood, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18 0RB 66

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

l Column: Jacqui

Thorndyke ‘Foodie On Tour’

Fit food for a gourmet!

I

f I had my way, cheesecake would have the same nutritional value as a small pot of natural yoghurt. A packet of crisps would be as good a choice as an apple, and a serving of roast lamb and dauphinoise equal to a plate of steamed chicken, rice and veg. Oh what a cruel world it is that a nice big meaty fry up will never match up to a healthy bowl of oats!

I drool at the thought of all these ‘bad’ choices. Unfortunately, however, my insane husband has gone and gotten himself obsessed (and I do mean OBSESSED), with triathlons and turned himself into a bit of an athlete.

In the past two years, he’s gone from a weekly game of squash, to - during peak training for long distance events - up to about 25 hours of relatively hard exercise a week. A WEEK! Which is in addition to the multiple events of varying distances he now completes in every year. So as you can imagine, with all that exercise, diet has become a factor too. Long gone

are the hearty meals of steak and chips for dinner, or fish & chips from the chippy en-route from the office.

No. These days, he wants lean protein, wholegrain carbs, healthy fats, and an awful lot of energy gels. He even talks about food as fuel, rather than for enjoyment. I know! I’m rolling my eyes even as I type.

With all this focus on healthy meals, I’ve had to up my recipe game. Or, as I often prefer, my cheat game. I wasn’t entirely prepared to stick us on a regime of steamed everything, plain oats and bananas, so I’ve been a little creative and done lots and lots of Googling and Pinning to come up with some regular family meals that’ll keep the athletic MrF full and fuelled without hampering enjoyment levels. Because they bloomin’ well matter!

Japanese and Chinese have been my go-to cuisines for lots of healty new recipes - BBC Good Food has a brilliant selection of easy ones, like MrF’s favourite

Chicken Katsu. And the Steamed Fish in Ginger & Spring Onion on the Martha Stewart website is a now new weekly staple. Fitspiration personality du jour, Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, included tortilla base pizza in his first book, and while they seemed like a good idea for calorie reduction, they filled me up about as much as a cheese cracker would. So I tried the same idea but with a wholegrain pitta or flatbread, and BOOM, another new heathy(ish) family meal was born.

Whack some tomato paste and water together with some N’duja salami and you have an awesome spicy pizza sauce to put under all your toppings too.

Pizza was one of those things I just didn’t want to have to go without as a regular fixture, and neither were hot wings. I looooooove hot wings. Proper hot though, none of that BBQ sauce nonsense, or chipotle. I want burning hot buffalo wing sauce, with a lick of mayo or blue cheese sauce on the side. Having finally given

Jacqui Thorndyke

oven baked wings a try at home, I’m now a fully-fledged convert and desperate to whip up a plethora of sauces to try out. I’m even happy to give in to the inevitable moans from MrF to cook Katsu Chicken with rice every flippin’ week, because I know I can sneak in pizzas and hot wings without complaint because they’re a healthier version. Screw you ‘energy for fuel’, I’m not ready to give up on enjoyment quite yet! l For local food and restaurant reviews and recommendations, visit www.foodieontour.co.uk, or follow Jacqui on Twitter @FoodieOnTour.

Email: foodieontour@yahoo.co.uk

Welcome to Coco Tamarind Fine Indian restaurant & takeaway at Askett, Princes Risborough

We are taking Christmas party bookings. Call now - full Coco Tamarind menu available for your festive celebration.

Recently refurbished and under new management, Coco Tamarind offers the finest modern and traditional Indian cuisine, in stylish, comfortable surroundings. The relaxed ambience and attentive service, plus our well stocked bar, will ensure your time with us is a most enjoyable experience, whatever the occasion. l

l 10% discount on collected takeaways l Whatever the day, please call ahead to reserve your table as we are busy all week!

Free home delivery within 5 mile radius (min order £15) l Become a Coco Tamarind Member and enjoy discounts and special offers

Order your takeaway or reserve a table online at www.cocotamarindHP27.co.uk or call: 01844 343111 / 01844 346100 Coco Tamarind, Aylesbury Road, Askett, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 9LY Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

67

l

Column: Heather Jan Brunt ‘This farming life’

The little shop of farmer’s

M

y husband comes from a long line of farmers and butchers, and it was always his dream to have a shop of his own. This year we celebrated the tenth anniversary of his particularly unique, little farm shop at Terrick, between Stoke Mandeville and Princes Risborough.

It first opened in 1991 out of the dairy in a set of old farm buildings where we were living at the time.

But when we moved to our present location in 1993 there was no building available to use, so the shop went into hibernation until September 2006.

By then my husband Geoff had finally got the old cowshed renovated and we had a splendid new shop available for use - a shop quite unlike any other!

As a full-time farmer it is impossible for him to man it daily. So it opens just once, at the beginning of each month, for two half days.

Customers can pre-order their meat via the website at:

Geoff Brunt in his farm shop

www.downonthefarm.cco.uk, although this is not compulsory, and many just come along to see what is available on the days the shop is open. Most customers are on the email database and receive a reminder once a month that the shop days are approaching and they might like to order.

In addition to Terrick Beef, his primary product, Geoff also sells Terrick Lamb. Both these items are bred and reared on the farm by him. He also sells free range chickens and eggs from his cousin

4 POUND STREET / WENDOVER / HP22 6EJ

Jonathan who lives near Tring, bread from Chesham, chocolate from Princes Risborough and jams and chutneys.

The Terrick Beef cuts include all the usual joints and steaks, as well as burgers and sausages - in two flavours, plain and horseradish. The burgers and sausages are made for Geoff by the butchers who break up and prepare the carcase in Stoke Hammond.

Being able to meet his customers is very important to Geoff, he enjoys having the chance to answer questions about his farming methods, the cattle, what they are fed, how they are reared, and of course to chat generally about life.

Over the years he has come to know his regular customers very well, and has watched several children from birth through their early school years. He has also celebrated news of weddings and university successes and has sympathised with illness and death.

And thanks to customer votes, Terrick Beef won the 2012 Countryside Alliance Local Food

This farming life Heather Jan Brunt

award for the South East.

A shop is like a community, and the customers have become important people in his life.

Farming today, being quite mechanised and involving less manpower, can be an isolated existence and the shop is so much more than just an add on to the business.

On his 60th birthday Geoff was overwhelmed to receive cards from many of the customers, including some terrifically unique personalised ones.

Geoff next opens the shop on Friday 7th (12noon-6pm) and Saturday 8th October (10am-1pm). l Heather Jan Brunt is a journalist

and a farmer’s wife. You can follow her on Twitter @HJBjournalist

Search for us on:

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Monday: Closed. Tuesday: 5.30pm – 11:00pm. Wednesday to Friday: 11:00am – 2:30pm then 5:30pm – 11:00pm.

Saturday: 11:00am – 11:00pm. Sunday: 11:00am – 4:00pm. NOW SERVING TAPAS ALL DAY SATURDAYS.

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.TRESCORAZONES.CO.UK OR CALL: 01296 622 092 68

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Welcome... Eat Well, Laugh Much, Drink Often...

Welcome...

Andy and Emma welcome you to The Boot, modern country pub and eating house, in the heart of the picturesque Chiltern Hills.

Enjoy fresh, locally produced food, local ales and fabulous wines. Our chef creates exciting dishes suitable for all tastebuds, so families can dine in style.

Christmas menu available from Nov 22nd. Tue-Thur: 2 course £25 / 3 course £30 Fri & Sat: 2 course £28 / 3 course £33 See website for menu and book asap!

Open: Tue-Thur: 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm, Fri/Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun 12noon-7pm Food served: Coffee & pastries from 11am Tue-Sat: 12noon-2.30pm and 6pm-10pm.

Sundays: 12noon-6pm. Closed Mondays Chinnor Road, Bledlow Ridge, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP14 4AW Tel: 01494 481499 | Email: theteam@theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk Website: www.theboot-bledlowridge.co.uk

Stay Warm This Winter!

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For Open Fires & Multifuel Stoves

Visit Us For:

- Large Selection Of Fruit & Vegetables - Extensive Freezer Selection- Home Produced Lamb & Beef - Top Brand Pet Foods & Animal Feeds - Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil -

P E Mead & Sons Farm Shop Wilstone, Nr Tring, HP23 4NT 01442 828478 www.pemeadandsons.co.uk

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69

LINDENGATE

Open Day

Saturday 1�� October 2016 2pm - 5pm

Apple pressing

Bring your garden apples ... take home freshly pressed apple juice

Children’s activities Refreshments with homemade soup & cakes

Come and enjoy the Lindengate gardens ... and find out what we do!

The Old Allotment Site, World's End Garden Centre, Aylesbury Road, Wendover, Bucks. HP22 6BD Tel. 01296 622443 info@lindengate.org.uk www.lindengate.org.uk

Looking for a venue for dinner, a group party or a conference, The Lambert Hotel could be the perfect venue for you.

Join us in our bar or restaurant for our fantastic value dining offers including 2 lunch courses for £12.50 Looking for a wedding venue?

Wedding Open Day Sunday 16th October from 11am – 3pm Bookings being taken now for Christmas.

Christmas Dining starting from £20 per person Christmas Day £70 per adult, £35 per child New Years Eve Gala £49.50 per person The Lambert Hotel, London Rd, Aston Rowant, Watlington. OX49 5SQ. 01844 351496 info@lambertarms.com www.thelamberthotel.com

Harvest Moon

Tastefully decorated, authentic Chinese restaurant, serving traditional dishes to suit every taste. Eat-in and takeaway service.

Perfect for parties - we can cater for groups of up to 50 people.

Harvest Moon, 1 Pump Lane, Thame, Oxon, OX9 3BT Tel: 01844 215272 / 214834 Email: harvestmoonthame@gmail.com Website: www.harvestmoonthame.co.uk 70

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

As we age we have to cope with changes in eyesight and mobility, health and reaction times, which may effect our ability to drive. Transport for Buckinghamshire is now offering to assess mature drivers to identify any problem areas and help you to continue driving safely for as long as possible...

D

riving is an important part of life for many of us, providing freedom and independence.

There isn’t an age at which we automatically become unsafe to drive but as we get older, our health, eyesight, mobility and reaction times may begin to deteriorate.

Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) offer a range of driving assessments under the ‘Be a Better Driver’ (BaBD) brand which includes an assessment specifically designed for the mature motorist.

An assessment can help you to identify changes in your driving and what can be done to help you to continue to drive safely for as long as possible The assessment is carried out on local roads in the driver’s own car and is based around their driving needs.

This is followed up with a written report which gives an overview of the drive and highlights any areas for improvement. The one hour driving assessment costs £37 Since April 2012 TfB have delivered over 350 mature driver assessments, the majority are drivers who take the assessment voluntarily to ensure they are still driving safely. Many drivers return for regular reassessment once, twice or more and just over a quarter are medical referrals from GP surgeries and Health Specialists.

Feedback from drivers who have taken an assessment is very positive, stating the experience is a reassuring confidence boost to help keep their driving skills up to date.

Examples of the feedback received include: • “I have more confidence that I am driving safely.”

• “We ‘mature’ drivers need support, sympathy and understanding, keep up the

Paddy Hopkirk who won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally pictured prior to his Mature Driver Assessment Who’s taking assessments so far?

• 63% are male.

• The youngest is 51 • The oldest is 96.

• The majority are in their 80s, (43%) • Those in their 70s account for 40% good work!”

• “Advice on how to avoid using a car was very helpful. Drivers are not generally encouraged to use alternative transport and it’s the elderly who need help the most.”

• “I found the scheme admirable in that it focused on my driving skills. I had previously passed my test in 1956 and therefore in that period signs and rules had been introduced.

It was my suggestion that we went to High Wycombe as it gave me practice in driving through built up areas and on the M40 motorway.”

• “Wonderful idea for any age. We all become complacent no matter how good a driver.”

To find out how to apply for a Mature Driver Assessment go to the website at: www.buckscc.gov.uk/beabetterdriver Or contact Transport for Buckinghamshire as below. l Transport for Buckinghamshire Email:tfb@buckscc.gov.uk Tel: 01296 382416 Web: www.buckscc.gov.uk/beabetterdriver

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

71

l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles

Cooler than cool!

Lexus IS200t F Sport

L

uxury extras? I can take ‘em or leave ‘em. Unless the outside temperature is a steaming 31C, of course.

Then I offer up a prayer of thanks for the Lexus IS200t.

Trouble is, I’m the sort of person who likes to crawl under a stone when things seriously hot up in summer. Call me a freak, but I wither and die over 21C. So my joy in discovering the IS200 test car not only had heated but also COOLED seats was boundless.

Just one flick of a switch and there it was – luscious cooled air gushing through the seat cushion and providing a smooth, icy layer onto my back.

The exotically styled sports saloon from Lexus sets the pace for instant function controls , particularly in how and where they operate. Most of the technology is

Alan Candy’s

on the centre console for ‘infotainment’ needs much more practice – it’s very over-sensitive and can be exasperating until you get the hang of it.

I have been in the lap of luxury behind the wheel of the Lexus IS200t F Sport in the leather Continued on page 74

AltomobilES brilliantly simple.

Interior temperature controls, for example, just need a fingertip touch to the electrostatic switches, as an alternative to sliding them up and down.

And if you’ve been playing racing drivers with the paddle shifters behind the wheel and want to return to D mode, just hold the right hand paddle for one or two seconds.

But the main ‘mouse’ control

For all your vehicle repairs, servicing & MOT testing a first-class service at competitive prices We are opposite Tesco Broadfields, Aylesbury Family run garage All makes & models l Servicing & repairs l MOT Testing (class 4 & 7) l Tyres l Exhausts l Brakes l Air-Con Regas l 4 Wheel Alignment l Cam belts

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Telephone: 01844 353388

l l

l Bosch Car Service Centre l MOTs including Class VII (3.5 tonnes) See our website for offers and services

l Servicing, repairs, tyres, exhausts and air

conditioning for cars and light commercials l Diagnostics: we have the most up to date work

shops and equipment in the area

l High ceilings and long ramps enable us to service

long wheelbase vans, campers and trucks 2a & 3a Broadfields Court (opposite Tesco), Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8BU Tel: 01296 432552 www.tandeaylesbury.co.uk

72

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Lexus IS200t F Sport

Tel: 01844 274652

Email: info@risboroughservicecentre.co.uk

www.risboroughservicecentre.co.uk Chinnor Road, Bledlow, Princes Risborough, Bucks HP27 9PH

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73 Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016 09:32 03/11/2012

l Column: Alan Candy’s Altomobiles Continued from page 72 Premium Navi Mark Levinson model which costs a cool £36,100.

This compact sporting 2.0-litre petrol saloon boasts incredible comfort levels, state-of-the-art technology and fabulous handling – all things we’ve come to expect from owner company Toyota’s premium brand.

The range comprises the IS300h, the first hybrid IS, and the turbocharged IS 200t that I drove.

Powerful and elegant, the saloon now boasts fresh looks inside and out and increased wheelbase and width (allowing a more spacious cabin). It’s easily spotted on the move, thanks to the eyecatching Lexus spindle grille and independent daytime running lights in a Lexus ‘L’ motif.

Lexus IS has been painstakingly

designed to offer maximum driver enjoyment and you are, indeed, spoiled for choice when it comes to personal preferences.

The IS’s new Drive Mode Select system features a number of instantly switchable driving modes – Eco, Snow, Normal, Sport – and the smooth eight-speed auto transmission set-up delivers seamless performance under any conditions.

The 1,998cc petrol engine is so smooth that’s it’s hard to actually hear at all on tickover and sweet power delivery sees the 62mph mark rapidly breached in a pretty quick seven seconds.

Delightful rear wheel drive handling yields all its traditional handling benefits if you want to take a spin just for the fun of it, with satisfying steering feel, Vauxhall Astra Sports faultless cornering andTourer a low-slung centre of gravity that gives the saloon a sports car feel.

A snug-fit racing cockpit and superb appointments makes this look and feel a real premier vehicle – proof that Lexus is still the one to beat. A cool luxury car

Lexus IS200t F Sport for sure – especially when the heat is on.

Factfile: Model tested: Lexus IS200t F Sport.

Price: £36,100 (on the road price £31,495).

Engine: Four-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged petrol unit of 1,988cc (241bhp @ 5,800rpm).

Transmission: Eight-speed Sports Direct Shift automatic.

Consumption: Combined 39.2mpg.

Performance: 0-62mph in 7 secs; top speed 143mph.

CO2 emissions: 167g/km.

Special features: F Sport steering wheel, bumpers, mesh grille, scuff plates, sports pedals, 18-in alloy wheels.

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Open Monday to Saturday: Unit 8, Brunel Gate, Telford Close, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8AR Tel: 01296 488898 / 07720 706918 74

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

l Column: On

The Road

Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

Best seller KIA SPORTAGE GT LINE

Y

ou might have read a lot already about how good the all new Kia Sportage is. A car that outsells Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1 in Europe.

I can offer a reason for that. And that is that anything anyone’s said or written about the desirability of the Kia is beyond question.

It IS a very good vehicle.

It’s a car that has sold as much on its looks as its undoubted practicality for the UK family in the past. And now it looks even smarter.

The spacious five door five seater has a lot going for it. It was always neatly styled but the latest version, which is breaking sales records for Kia almost by the hour, is a whole Greg Rutherford type leap forward. It’s set to remain their best selling model for some time yet.

Rob Auchterlonie

ON The Road It’ll more than meet the requirements of the modern family and their lifestyle, and it won’t bite you on the bum when it comes to running it on a day to day basis.

Its sleekish profile makes it stylish and sporty at the same time, and a step ahead of most of its opposition. Its purposeful wide front track gives it good stability, and while the ground clearance still helps to give you a good all round view of the mayhem going on around you, it’s not as high as some – Kia’s thinking is that the car is less likely to be used as an off-road vehicle, and I think they’re right.

Kia Sportage GT Line In normal use the ride quality is pretty good, and the power assisted steering has a light feel that makes what is a decent sized car easy to manoeuvre round town.

There are 18 versions of the all new Sportage, so plenty to choose from. Five trim levels are badged 1,2,3,4 and GT-Line, with a limited run First Edition model brimming with extra kit thrown into the equation.

And there are a number of improvements to absorb, like the

fact the 1.7 CRDi favoured by more than half of all buyers is now more than 7mpg more efficient in combined mode, while its CO2 output had dropped by 16g/km.

The new 1.6 T-GDi engine sampled here in the GT-Line has a claimed combined figure topping 37mpg and a CO2 rating of 177g/ km.

It’s maybe not as smooth and unflustered as other engines on offer, and needs firm pressure on Continued on page 76

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75

l Column: On

The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

Continued from page 75 the loud pedal to induce some haste but once up to a sensible speed all is well with the world.

GT-Line is easily picked out in a crowd thanks to its high gloss black ‘blade mesh’ radiator grille, unique 19 inch alloys, ice cube style LED front fogs, twin tailpipes and silver painted front and rear skid plates.

The key thing people seem to forget when conditions turn tricky is that even if you’ve got all wheel drive, as this version has, a touch of discretion is, on reflection, the best route to follow.

Here’s the clever bit. The all wheel drive system is a piece of kit that needs no extraneous buttons and switches to operate. It continuously monitors conditions and anticipates when all wheel drive is needed. Normally 100 per cent of the engine torque goes up front, but that can be redistributed to a maximum of 60:40 front to rear to boost cornering ability or if road conditions deteriorate.

It also now includes Advanced Traction Cornering Control in the

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Its overall level of fit and finish

makes it, if it’s possible, an even more desirable proposition than before.

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Vale Life : Sept/Oct 2016

etc

FASTFACTS: Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi GT-Line; £24,350;

On The Road with Rob Auchterlonie

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